internship and career development 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 career development 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
- Scholars at Americans for the Arts
- Career Fellows at Americans for the Arts
- Event Volunteers at Americans for the Arts
- Program Benefits
- Program Details
- How to Apply
Interns at Americans for the Arts
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, winter/spring, and summer interns all receive a 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
Summer 2008 Intern Positions:
New York City:
Washington, DC:
- Arts Action Fund
- Development and Leadership Alliances
- Executive Office
- Field Services
- Government and Public Affairs
- Meetings and Events
- Policy and Research
- Sales and Marketing
Calendar
Three terms of 10 weeks roughly coordinate with the academic calendar. Start and end dates are flexible when they conflict with a participant’s academic commitment. The spring term includes one week off for spring break. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
|
Summer Term: |
June 1–August 7, 2008 |
| Application Deadline: |
April 15, 2008 |
| Fall Term: | September 15–November 21, 2008 |
| Application Deadline: | July 31, 2008 |
| Winter/Spring Term: | February 2–April 10, 2009 |
| Application Deadline: | December 12, 2008 |
Scholars at Americans for the Arts
The Summer Scholars program immerses second-year graduate students in the work of Americans for the Arts, with a special focus on research and advocacy. Scholars hone and strengthen their research and writing abilities while they explore field issues; talk with leaders; and complete projects that make tangible links among cultural theory, practice, advocacy, and policy. Scholars return to their home institutions with important career contacts, new tools to use as arts leaders, and a stronger sense of how their continued academic work contributes to the larger field.
Scholars selected for the summer term work as a group; interact primarily with research, government affairs, and field services staff; and receive a modest stipend, plus all the program benefits described below.
Scholar Qualifications
- Completion of one year of graduate work in arts administration, cultural policy, or a closely related program
- Professional or academic experience in qualitative research
- 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
- Familiarity with web-based publishing tools, database management, and data entry skills
Summer Scholar Program 2008
The summer scholars program has been suspended for 2008. Check back for new opportunities in Spring 2009.
Please contact Manager of Professional Development Rebecca Borden to discuss the Summer Scholar program.
Career Fellows at Americans for the Arts
The Career Fellows Program is an opportunity for mid-level and seasoned arts professionals to expand their knowledge, skills, and network in cultural leadership and advocacy. Career Fellows propose a course of study—which may include research, mentoring, and special projects—and are paired with a staff person for the term of the engagement. Career Fellows may use Americans for the Arts as a home base for a larger exploration of cultural administration and policy in the nation’s capital.
Professionals interested in a fellowship should contact the Americans for the Arts Human Resources staff to discuss the opportunity; to prepare a letter of interest; and to coordinate time line, compensation, and leave from the home institution.
Career Fellow Qualifications
- Five years or more of progressively responsible management positions in the arts or closely related fields
- Experience and interest in local, state, or federal cultural policy and advocacy
- Ability to pursue a substantial professional development project that culminates in measurable outcomes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Event Volunteers at Americans for the Arts
Event Volunteers participate in the nuts and bolts of producing one of Americans for the Arts’ many professional events, including Arts Advocacy Day, the Annual Conference, and the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy. Volunteers are asked to commit to specific hours and duties for each event and receive our utmost appreciation for their service. Volunteer opportunities are periodically posted to this web page and announced to the field. To be included on the announcement list, send an e-mail to our Meetings and Events staff.
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, Scholars, and Fellows 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. Career development program officers 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, Scholars, and Fellows 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 and Scholars 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. The Scholars Summer Intensive operates on a full-time daily schedule during the summer term. Fellows arrange mutually agreeable full-time hours that accommodate external meetings and travel.
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 and Career Development Opportunities Program, please submit the following materials:
- Summer 2008 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:
Human Resources
Americans for the Arts
1000 Vermont Avenue, NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
F 202.371.0424
E-mail: resume@artsusa.org
For questions, please contact Human Resources Associate Mahogany Hector.
