AIB is an iconic Smithsonian space that opened in 1881 as the nation’s first museum, and is about to embark on a major transformation after being closed for more than a decade. Over the next few years, they’ll be staging a series of large-scale, landmark events and exhibitions that set the stage for AIB’s future vision, while also doing the serious work of preparing for its long-awaited reopening.
These are professional-level internships, and you’ll be an integral part of both a collaborative team and AIB’s success.
Best fit for: college juniors and seniors, graduate students. Time: at least 3 full days a week, for a full semester. Openings start January 28, 2019, for Spring or May 20, 2019, for Summer.
Events and Operations Assistant (Intern)
Interns will be involved in the mechanics of developing, managing, staffing and executing large-scale events. Expect to learn the ins and outs of event management. Skills may include how to build and execute an event timeline, determine staffing needs and recruit and train volunteers to fill those slots, conduct a site walkthrough, and create a floor plan. Interns will gain familiarity with Smithsonian event approval processes and understand what it takes to bring together an exciting and dynamic public event at a high profile Institution.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with AIB’s Manager of Operations and Events to play a vital role in the inner workings of a major institution
- Help prepare for big meetings
- Budgeting new events
- Leading walkthroughs with local artists
- Recruiting and managing volunteers
- Coordinating event mechanics
- Staffing events
- Budget tracking
- Business and organizational theory projects
Qualifications
- Tamer of chaos and pride yourself on always being on top of things
- Impeccably organized, with a mind for logistics and a strong sense of how to get from A to B, even with some X’s and Y’s thrown in
- Stellar office and interpersonal skills
- A willingness to tackle new projects
Communications and Partnerships Assistant (Intern)
Interns will be involved in crafting messaging for internal and external partners and promulgating the brand of the AIB. Expect to learn how a growing professional communications operation runs and the many tools used to build and shape a public brand and profile. Interns will gain experience with and understanding of various branding and messaging techniques.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with AIB’s Director of External Affairs to build enthusiasm for AIB through communications, partnerships, and special events
- Designing a presentation for cutting-edge tech partners
- Storyboarding a marketing video
- Researching speakers for an upcoming festival
- Media outreach
- Graphic design
- Email and social media
- Public speaking
- Presentations
- Branding
- Writing
Qualifications
- Focused
- Energetic
- Gifted storyteller
- Passionate about museums and culture
- You love a well-crafted email and never miss an opportunity to follow up with new connections
- Excellent writing and speaking skills
- Strong work ethic
- A “get ‘er done” mindset is a plus.
Curatorial Assistant (Intern)
You’ll have a front row seat and a key role to play as they build their team, design the exhibition and bring it to life. Interns may be asked to support our curators and exhibition team with various tasks including: curatorial research, object scouting, meeting coordination and preparation, notetaking, attending meetings with senior advisory groups, maintaining exhibition object checklists, budgeting, and other related tasks.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with AIB’s curators on developing a major exhibition planned for 2021 in celebration of the institution’s 175th Anniversary
- Researching objects in the Smithsonian’s vast collection (both physically and online)
- Consulting source material in a library or archive, drafting exhibition content and mission briefs
- Preparing for and attending meetings with a range of collaborators including Smithsonian curators and exhibition designers, research labs and technology start-ups
Qualifications
- An expert internet sleuth and researcher with a passion for storytelling
- A strong communicator who loves learning new things and tracking down facts
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Strong communication abilities
- Never-ending curiosity
How to Apply
To apply, please email cover letter and resume to Melissa Rasowsky at [email protected].