Tennis Lovers Charity Manager of Special Programs and Research Internship

November 2026 - Unpaid - Remote

About the Organization

Tennis Lovers for Charity is a small, established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a nearly 20-year history of helping tennis players support charitable causes and providing opportunities for under-resourced public high school tennis programs. 

TLC is now developing an ambitious initiative to help talented, financially under-resourced American professional tennis players pursue their potential to reach the ATP or WTA Top 100 in the world. Our approach goes beyond financial assistance. TLC envisions combining grants with a network of curated professional services, mentorship, practical resources, and life-skills development to help athletes succeed both on and off the court. We believe that talent and determination should not be limited by financial circumstances. 

As TLC prepares for this next chapter, we are looking for an undergraduate student who wants to contribute to something meaningful while gaining substantial professional experience. 

Position Overview 

Imagine an internship where your research could influence real decisions, your recommendations could reach an executive board, and your contributions could help aspiring American professional tennis players pursue their dreams. 

Tennis Lovers for Charity (TLC) is seeking one motivated undergraduate student for a distinctive, hands-on internship combining research, strategic planning, nonprofit leadership, business development, and social impact. 

Although there are some administrative tasks, this opportunity offers meaningful project ownership, direct access to nonprofit leadership, and the chance to help shape the next chapter of an established organization with ambitious national goals. 

The Manager of Special Programs and Research will support the entire TLC organization with the primary purpose to gain research experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, who’s work will help propel this 20 year-old non-profit to another level that could gain international recognition for its unique contributions. And the student will receive guidance and mentorship, rather than being expected to independently manage the entire organization. 

 This position will also be instrumental, with as a core team member, to significant TLC-wide national decisions along with the TLC executive board and advisors. This opportunity provides hands-on experience, while allowing the intern to develop skills in research, analysis, Excel, and organization leadership. 

The internship may be customized, when appropriate, to align with the student’s academic background, professional interests, and learning goals. 

The internship will be heavily involved in research and critical decision input to help expand TLC's national reach, including additional potential donors and list of potential curated services/products.  Other areas of contribution to be explored pending success of this area and the latest priorities. 

  1. Work Directly With Executive Leadership 

  2. Own Meaningful Projects 

  3. Experience the Entrepreneurial Side of a Nonprofit 

  4. Enjoy Flexibility Without Sacrificing Mentorship 

  5. Build Experience That Stands Out 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead Support in research and critical decision input to help expand TLC's national reach. For example, using TLC provided template, create list of additional potential donors and list of potential curated services/products.  Search existing individuals, companies, foundations etc. that have in last five years provided funding or services to anything tennis related e.g. USTA, usta foundation, each usta 17 sections, ita. atp. wta. Utr, and many more. Also Individuals and others that have commented on social media about tennis pros challenges, as well as possible donors to other related causes such as political “liberal” candidates and causes; and to other “challenging professions” e.g. artists/actors, musicians, etc! TLC to provide template of key fields to fill in, if applicable.   

  • Participate in some of the key TLC organization meetings is  possible 

  • Conduct research, data collection, analysis, and evaluation 

  • Engage with TLC’s executive board and its related communities, organizations, and other populations 

  • Maintain and organize records, databases, resources, and materials 

  • Contribute to TLC program development, research, operations, and other organizational initiatives 

  • Collaborate with TLC executive board members/advisors on projects based on organizational priorities and the intern’s interests 

  • Make presentations to the board on intern’s findings and recommendations 

Learning Outcomes 

  • Research and analytical thinking: Finding credible information, evaluating sources, identifying patterns, comparing alternatives, and making evidence-based recommendations. 

  • Business and nonprofit strategy: Understanding how organizations identify opportunities, allocate resources, establish partnerships, and pursue long-term goals. 

  • Excel and data management: Building structured databases, managing research information, evaluating prospects, and presenting useful findings. 

  • Executive communication: Preparing concise reports, communicating with organizational leaders, and presenting recommendations. 

  • Leadership and project management: Taking ownership of deliverables, managing priorities, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with experienced professionals. 

  • Professional confidence: Learning to contribute ideas, ask strategic questions, exercise judgment, and translate academic knowledge into practical work. 

Preferred Qualifications 

We welcome students from a wide range of academic disciplines, including Applied Data Analysis, Cognitive Science, Economics, Health and Society, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Urban Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, business, economics, finance, marketing, communications, data analytics, sports management, sociology, and other fields. You do not need to be a tennis player or have prior nonprofit experience.  

We are particularly interested in students who demonstrate: 

  • Intellectual curiosity and initiative 

  • Strong research and analytical interests 

  • Attention to detail and organizational discipline 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, or a willingness to develop stronger skills 

  • Effective written and verbal communication 

  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment 

  • Interest in sports, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or social impact 

  • Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and contribute ideas 

A positive attitude, reliability, resourcefulness, and commitment to producing quality work are especially important. 

Employer Partner Information 

Supervisor: Carlos R. Cruz-Aedo (Executive Director and Executive Board Member) (LMU class of ’86, ’92, and ’26 and current LMU Board of Regents Member; and past LMU graduate adjunct faculty member) 
Department: get exposed to the entire non-profit organization (not just one department) 
Email: tennischarity@gmail.com 
Phone: 310.567.7349 

Internship Site: Primary work location will be remote, with initial and occasional sessions that can be conducted in-person with Carlos in the Los Angeles area (or virtually if outside of SoCal.) 
Work Schedule: The expected schedule has flexibility due to most of the work is to be done remotely and check-in meetings can be arranged to best fit everyone’s schedules. 
Training/Orientation Provided: Yes. An overview of TLC will be conducted by Carlos and/or other executive board member in order for the intern to better understand the overall scope of the organization. Then details will be shared regarding the research templates and other tools that will assist the intern and in turn with TLC.

Please let us know if you apply to any internships so we can work with you and follow up with the companies (You can even cc us on your email at lmumatch@lmu.edu!)