Public Programs Intern

PHILLIPS@THEARC INTERN

OVERVIEW

The Phillips Collection's Internship program is open to full-time undergraduate students, full-time graduate students, and recent graduates. The purpose of the internship program is to offer college students and recent graduates meaningful work, educational experiences, and real-life practice in their fields of academic study and/or interest.

The Phillips Collection’s Public Programs department provides audiences of all ages with opportunities to engage the community through the museum’s permanent collection, special exhibitions, and projects at both locations, 21st Street NW, and Phillips@THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) located at 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020. Our work emphasizes engaging audiences of all ages through an after-school art club, public workshops, and teaching artist-led programming that create opportunities to explore, experiment, and make art while building community, sustaining relationships, and bringing joy.

The Phillips@TheARC intern, which is housed under a division of Education, will gain meaningful, hands-on experience in community engagement, arts programming, and the day-to-day operations of a community-based museum program at Phillips@THEARC. Working closely with the Public Engagement Manager and Community Engagement Assistant, the intern will support the coordination, implementation, and assessment of programs serving audiences of all ages, including the Afterschool Art Club, Open Recess, and monthly Studio Saturday programs led by teaching artists. The intern will support program preparation and logistics, coordinate with teaching artists and community partners, assist with on-site program activities, and document participation and engagement. Administrative and operational responsibilities (including program records, shared files, and other tracking systems) will be carried out under the guidance of the Community Engagement Assistant and in coordination with established department workflows.

While there may be occasional virtual meetings and administrative work, this is primarily an in-person position.

Duration: Internships run ten to fifteen weeks and 12-20 hours per week. Internship length and schedule may vary depending on the needs of the department. This internship will run Monday, January 25-Friday, May 7, 2027. Some occasional evening, and Saturday morning/afternoon work will be required.

Academic Credit: Depending on the nature of the internship and approval of the student's college or university, academic credit may be granted for internships. Student applicants should consult their academic advisor for additional information.

Please submit a résumé, letter of interest, letter of recommendation, and complete transcripts.

Responsibilities

• Support the Public Engagement Manager with the preparation and facilitation of programming at Phillips@THEARC, including Afterschool Art Club, Open Recess, and monthly Studio Saturday programs led by teaching artists.
  • Participate in program preparation, planning meetings, and on-site program activities as needed.
• Support program logistics, including preparing materials, setting up and resetting program spaces, assisting with registration and participant flow, supporting teaching artists and staff, photographing programs, and participating in post-program debriefs.
• Support coordination with teaching artists, community partners, and visiting groups to help ensure programs are prepared and run smoothly.
• Assist with the maintenance and organization of program records and shared operational systems in coordination with the Community Engagement Assistant, including S-drive files, attendance and participation records, program documentation, and other tracking materials.
• Assist with additional Community Engagement initiatives, administrative tasks, and day-to-day program coordination as needed.

Qualifications

• Open to junior and senior undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates.
• Ability to travel around Washington, D.C.
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings.
• Experience working with K-12 students, families, intergenerational groups, and older adults.
• Experience teaching studio art encouraged.
• A proactive, positive attitude and excellent problem-solving skills.
• A professional presence demonstrating flexibility and patience while upholding institutional policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Comfort working independently as well as collaboratively.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint-proficient.

The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer and administers all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.