internships and opportunities
Americans for the Arts recognizes that on-the-job experience can play an important role in advancing the careers of arts, nonprofit, and cultural leaders. Likewise, we know that our organization benefits from the creativity and curiosity of students and professionals who join our ranks. Our internship program takes great care to offer opportunities that make the most of those mutual goals. We also hope to create relationships that last well beyond any single project or term. We welcome your application and look forward to learning more about your interests and aspirations.- Interns at Americans for the Arts
- Event Volunteers at Americans for the Arts
- Program Benefits
- Program Details
- How to Apply
The Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to investigate and participate in the operations of the nation’s leading nonprofit for advancing the arts in America. Through a combination of learning experiences, work projects, and group collaborations, interns become integral members of our team. Interns are expected to participate in daily activities, contribute skills and ideas, and produce excellent work, all the while preparing to become the next generation of arts, nonprofit, and cultural leaders.
Internship positions are available on a part-time basis for the winter/spring and fall terms and on a full-time basis for summer. Fall and winter/spring interns will receive a $500 stipend and summer interns all receive a $1,000 stipend. All interns receive the program benefits described below.
Intern Qualifications (see additional departmental requirements for each position)
- Undergraduate student, graduate student, or recent college graduate
- Experience and interest in nonprofit administration and/or cultural policy
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- Ability to establish priorities and juggle numerous assignments at one time
- Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office
Intern Positions: We appreciate all responses, but due to the high volume of applications received, we can only contact those applicants whose qualifications best match the position requirements.
New York City:
Washington, DC:
- Animating Democracy
- Arts Action Fund
- Development
- Government and Public Affairs
- Leadership Alliances
- Local Arts Advancement Services
- Marketing and Communications
- Meetings and Events
- Membership
- National Arts Policy Roundtable
- Research Services
Calendar
Three terms of 10-12 weeks roughly coordinate with the academic calendar. The spring term includes one week off for spring break. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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Summer Term: |
May 28–August 16, 2013 |
| Application Deadline: | March 10, 2013 |
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| Fall Term: | September 9–December 6, 2013 |
| Application Deadline: | June 7, 2013 |
| Winter/Spring Term: | January 27–April 25, 2014 |
| Application Deadline | October 18, 2013 |
Leadership Discussions
Day-to-day participation in the organization is augmented by special sessions in which senior staff share the inside view of their work at Americans for the Arts and their experiences as arts leaders. The open discussion format allows participants to learn directly from leaders, ask challenging questions, and address critical issues. The discussions are structured to provide both a functional overview of the organization and insight into a variety of leadership approaches.
Career Support
Interns frequently arrange informational interviews with an individual staff member to gain a closer look into their role within the organization. Human Resources staff is available to review resumes and cover letters or to discuss career direction and advancement. It is also possible to arrange meetings with arts colleagues in the DC area according to participant interests.
Evaluation Process
Ongoing communication and evaluation is encouraged as a part of every experience at Americans for the Arts. Participants and supervisors also take a step back at key points during the term to assess time lines and measure progress. Intern coordinators are available throughout the term to address unexpected challenges, help bridge communication, or get over roadblocks. Exit interviews and final evaluations help us understand how we can improve the program.
Member Services
Interns receive a one-year base membership to Americans for the Arts. Benefits include legislative alerts, access to listservs, copies of member publications, bookstore discounts, research assistance, and invitations to member events.
Academic Support
Special arrangements can be made to accommodate academic degree requirements. Staff are available to meet or correspond with academic advisors, review mandatory assignments, and complete evaluations. Please include detailed program requirements in your application.
Time Commitment
Interns commit to a mutually agreeable part-time (winter/spring and fall) or full-time (summer) schedule during regular hours of operation for the length of the term.
Housing
Although Americans for the Arts does not offer housing, every effort will be made to assist participants if they need temporary housing.
To apply for the Internship Program, please submit the following materials via postal mail, email, or through our online application system:
- Internship application, cover letter with a brief personal statement, outline of career goals, and how an internship with Americans for the Arts will assist you in achieving those goals
- Academic/Professional Resume
Send application materials to:
Internship Coordinator
Americans for the Arts
1000 Vermont Ave, NW.
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
F 202.371.0424
E-mail: resume@artsusa.org
For questions, please contact the Internship Coordinator.
Event Volunteers participate in the nuts and bolts of producing one of Americans for the Arts’ many professional events, including the Annual Convention and the National Arts Marketing Project Conference. Volunteers are asked to commit to specific hours and duties for each event and receive our utmost appreciation for their service. Each event has its own specific volunteer application process. These applications can be found on an event's 'ways to save' page. If you have any additional questions regarding our volunteer program, please send an e-mail to our events@artsusa.org.