Development Internship Summer 2026

Development Internship

Marbles Kids Museum is a vibrant, nonprofit children’s museum and IMAX Theatre located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Marbles has been sparking imagination, discovery, and learning through play since opening its doors in 2007. Marbles’ serves a diverse population of families, school groups, and community organizations through award-winning play-based exhibits, summer camps, IMAX documentaries, feature movies, and special events year-round. Today Marbles ranks among the top family destinations in North Carolina providing learning experiences for children with creative programs, and larger-than-life movies.

The Opportunity

Marbles Development Team is responsible for seeking and securing contributed revenue to support the museum’s mission and vision. On September 18, 2026, Marbles will host the annual Imagination Ball, our signature grown-up gala, raising money to ensure that every child has the chance to imagine, discover, learn and PLAY at Marbles. Guests enjoy an extraordinary event featuring spectacular decor, creative eats & drinks, a one-of-a-kind auction, exciting games of chance and legendary live music.


We are seeking a passionate Development Intern who will primarily support the 2026 Marbles Imagination Ball throughout the summer by auction coordination, marketing assistance, event prep and communication support.  This is an unpaid internship.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of the 2026 Marbles Imagination Ball.
• Support auction coordination including but, not limited to helping maintain auction database(s), solicit auction donations, track auction requests, pick up auction items, write item descriptions, and take item photos.
• Assist with sponsor/guest communications and guest registrations. 
• Participate in internal event planning and cross-team collaboration. 
• Help create and execute event marketing materials, including digital and print invitations and promotions. 
• Participate in onsite event coordination throughout the day and night of Friday, September 18, 2026.
• Research grant and other funding opportunities that align with current Marbles priorities. 
• Update data and quotes to use in grant creation.  
• Other duties as assigned by the Development Team.

Experience and Skill Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a formal education class that requires an internship for academic credit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook. 
• Passion for Marbles mission and/or nonprofit management. 
• Outstanding communication skills and customer service. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to successfully manage multiple projects at a time. 
• Self-motivated, prompt, responsive and reliable. 
• Able to work collaboratively in a diverse work environment. 

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Work Environment

• 95% indoors.

Schedule

• This is an unpaid internship. We are looking for a commitment of 6-8 hours per week through the summer (June-August). Interns are expected to predominantly work in-person at Marbles, with some flexibility to complete tasks remotely as appropriate.

If you require reasonable accommodations to complete the hiring process, please contact the People Team at [email protected] or 919-857-1069.

Please be aware that employment with Marbles Kids Museum is contingent on a satisfactory background check and references.

Marbles Kids Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment opportunities because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability, genetic information or any other federal, state or local protected class.