Operations Intern Winter/Spring 2025 - Make-A-Wish® Illinois

We are seeking an enthusiastic Operations Intern to join our dynamic team and gain hands-on experience. The intern will manage operational logistics, collaborate on projects aimed at improving office efficiency and workflow optimization, and assist in coordinating project timelines and deliverables.  

Responsibilities will also include maintaining key documents for the operations team and conducting research on best practices in nonprofit management. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to learn about operations management and contribute to real-world projects. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities Include: 

1. Operations & Planning Support: 

• Assist in the preparation and execution of organizational planning processes, including data gathering and analysis for key operational initiatives. 

• Participate in meetings with the COO and operations team to provide input and document action items for process improvements. 

• Prepare materials, take minutes, and follow up on action items from meetings. 
• General Office Operations Support: 
• Manage tasks related to operational logistics and assist in day-to-day office operations. 

• Tasks include office inventory tracking, refilling stocks of office supplies, receiving distributing packages, storage room organization, and other BAU needs.  

2. Project Coordination: 

• Collaborate on various operations projects such as office efficiency improvements, workflow optimization, and vendor management. 

• Help coordinate and track project timelines, deliverables, and key milestones. 

• Assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing operational data to support decision-making processes. 

• Conduct research and benchmarking on best practices in nonprofit management and operations to inform process improvement initiatives.  

3. Document Management: 

• Assist in maintaining and organizing key documents for the operations team, including SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), contracts, and other internal files. 

• Support updates to operational manuals and internal documentation systems. 

4. Ad Hoc Tasks: 

• Support the COO and operations team with additional projects and assignments as needed. 

Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (hybrid work experience), including at least one in-office working day, from early January through end of May. It is required to attend our in-office orientation on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong verbal and written communication for effective collaboration with team members. 

• Ability to analyze data and trends to support decision-making processes. 

• Meticulous in managing documents and completing tasks accurately. 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines. 

• Collaborative mindset to work effectively within a team environment. 

• Basic understanding of project coordination, including tracking timelines and deliverables. 

• Effective at managing one’s own time and prioritizing tasks. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Working toward a bachelor’s degree in business management, communications, or related field. 

• Familiarity with software tools like Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and any relevant project management or data analysis tools. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Must be able to commute to our downtown Chicago office 

• Minimum age for all internships is 18 

• Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a criminal background check. 

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.  

Benefits

An internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois provides a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside. In addition to the learning opportunities outlined in the job description, all interns also:

• Sit down with the senior leaders of our organization

• Build working relationships with interns throughout other departments

• Skill-based workshops and projects

• Participate in creating impactful lifelong memories for families

• Opportunity to assist in the creation and execution of wish progression