Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Intern (Paid)

at Winrock International

🏢 About Winrock International

Winrock International stands out for its focus on innovative, sustainable solutions in agriculture, environment, and social development, operating globally with a mission-driven approach. Working here offers exposure to high-impact projects and a collaborative remote culture that values both independence and teamwork.

About This Role

This Development Intern role supports the fundraising and donor relations team by conducting research, managing CRM data, and assisting with proposals. It’s impactful because your work directly helps secure funding for Winrock’s global development programs, from climate resilience to agricultural sustainability.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your day by checking emails and updating the CRM with any new donor interactions from the previous day. Mid-morning, you might conduct research on a prospective foundation, drafting a brief profile for the development team. After lunch, you’ll assist with scheduling donor meetings and proofread a proposal section, then wrap up by organizing files for an upcoming grant submission.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Winrock International

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Winrock International Is Looking For

  • A senior or graduate student in international relations, climate, environment, or a related field, with a strong academic record and genuine interest in global development.
  • Exceptional writer who can craft clear, compelling donor communications and synthesize research into concise profiles.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of maintaining CRM data quality and managing multiple administrative tasks without missing deadlines.
  • Self-motivated and comfortable working remotely, with proven ability to collaborate virtually using tools like Slack, Zoom, and shared documents.

📝 Tips for Applying to Winrock International

1

Highlight any experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) or donor research tools (e.g., Foundation Directory Online) in your resume.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your academic background to Winrock’s mission areas (e.g., mention a course on climate policy or a project on sustainable agriculture).

3

Provide a writing sample that demonstrates concise, professional communication—preferably a research brief or a donor-facing document.

4

If you have any volunteer or work experience with non-profits or international development, emphasize it, even if it’s not directly donor-related.

5

Show you’ve researched Winrock by referencing a specific program or recent project (e.g., their work on climate-smart agriculture in Africa) in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for sustainable development and alignment with Winrock’s mission.', 'Specific examples of your research and writing skills, such as a thesis project or past internship report.', 'Your ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently in a remote setting.', 'Familiarity with donor relations or fundraising concepts, even if from coursework or volunteer roles.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Winrock’s recent press releases or blog posts to understand their current focus areas (e.g., climate adaptation, women’s empowerment).
  • → Look at their ‘Our Work’ page to identify key programs and regions they operate in.
  • → Check their donor list or annual report to see the types of funders they engage (e.g., USAID, foundations, corporations).
  • → Follow Winrock on LinkedIn or Twitter to get a sense of their organizational culture and recent updates.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with donor research or data management. What tools did you use?
2 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple projects with competing deadlines?
3 Give an example of a time you had to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
4 Why are you interested in Winrock specifically? What do you know about our current initiatives?
5 How would you ensure data accuracy when entering donor information into a CRM?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention Winrock or any specific program—it shows lack of research.
  • Overlooking the importance of data quality; avoid saying you’re “not detail-oriented” or downplaying administrative tasks.
  • Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness—don’t mention difficulties with self-discipline or lack of experience with virtual collaboration tools.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Winrock International!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →