Fall 2022 internships will be hybrid or remote and hired interns will be provided a laptop and necessary software for the expected duration of their assignment. Please note that select positions will require interns to be located in the DC metro area for the duration of their internship assignment to attend select in-person meetings and/or events.
Applications will not be considered after July 15. To apply, click the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the position description. If applying for more than one internship (up to three permitted), you must submit separate applications for each position.
You must complete the entire online application to be considered for an internship.
- Cover letter with brief personal statement and outline of career goals.
- Resume listing relevant courses, previous experience, and special skills. No transcripts please.
- Writing sample (no more than 3 pages; not required for Graphic Design). Example can be something you’ve already written for a previous class or assignment.
- Design samples (required for Graphic Design and Social Media & Multimedia applicants only).
For questions or concerns, please email
internships@wolftrap.org.
AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS:
Communications & Marketing
Development
Education Administration
Government Affairs
Human Resources
Opera Artistic Administration
Production & Sound
Graphic Design
Work on a wide range of creative projects in this exciting, fast-paced environment. Receive hands-on professional experience and mentorship while enhancing your design portfolio! As an integral part of Wolf Trap’s creative team, you will design signage, program magazine layouts, invitations, print/Web ads, and more.
- Juggle several projects simultaneously and learn how to build production schedules and meet deadlines
- Prepare work for prepress, review proofs, and communicate with printers
Requirements
- Talented graphic design students with an interest in performing arts or music preferred
- Strong technical skills in Adobe creative suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) on Mac platform
- Strong understanding and appreciation for typography
- HTML and motion graphic skills a plus
- Strong proofreading skills
- Must be detail-oriented
- Minimum of three portfolio samples showing type and layout skills required
CLOSED
Publications
The Publications Intern will support the Communications & Marketing team by writing, editing, and reviewing copy for Wolf Traps print and online platforms. Through strategic and creative storytelling, this intern will help support Wolf Traps institutional and marketing goals, and enhance the Wolf Trap experience for thousands of concert-goers!
- Assist with collecting, editing, and proofreading artist biography information for print and digital publications
- Research, write, and edit feature content pieces for program books, Wolf Trap’s All Access blog, and other public communications
- Provide support for the program book and publication review processes
- Contribute to brainstorming content ideas that tell Wolf Trap’s story to our various communities
Requirements
- A strong, creative writer with an interest in the performing arts
- Copyediting skills and a sharp attention to detail
- Excellent skills in research and organization
- Familiarity with AP Style is preferred
- Communications, public relations, and journalism majors are preferred, however, great writing samples will make you stand out no matter what your focus
CLOSED
Assist in capturing the Wolf Trap experience while enhancing your expertise of visual storytelling via TikTok and Reels! Social Media/Multimedia interns have a hands-on role in telling the Wolf Trap story through visual & digital media. Responsibilities include: collecting video content on-site during performances and events, creating videos for Wolf Trap’s social media channels, developing associated content, and updating video and photo databases.
- Document the Wolf Trap experience using videography, specifically in vertical format via a cell phone or similar device
- Brainstorm, pitch, strategize, and create compelling multimedia stories that generate excitement about the Wolf Trap experience and build support for concerts and program work, including Reels and TikToks
- In collaboration with the Social Media team, assist in producing content for a regularly-updated social content calendar. Create various edits optimized for different social media platforms and ad needs
- Monitor conversations, trends, and engage with TikTok followers
- Closely follow the pulse of TikTok and Reels, and the latest platform trends to propose appropriate content for Wolf Trap social media accounts
- Analyze content performance and channel growth through analytics and provide reporting
- Serve as House Videographer/Photographer for select Wolf Trap performances at The Barns and special events. Assist professional videographers/photographers during contracted shoots
- Apply motion graphics to still photos, art layers, and text
- Assist with research and content production of materials related to performances at all three venues
- Contribute to management of photo and video archives. This includes selecting best images and video to edit, color correct, and optimize from each assignment; and maintaining a current b-roll library of Wolf Trap activities
- Facilitate cross-departmental communications by assisting others in accessing video and photo assets
Requirements
- Experienced TikTok and Reels social media content creator with knowledge of platform best practices
- Background in videography, either through extra curricular activities, academic experience, or professional internship experience
- Experience creating storyboards and producing videos from start to finish
- Knowledgeable about social media platforms (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) and trends
- Good verbal communication & solid writing skills
- Access to basic cell phone and camera equipment, including a 35 mm digital camera; knowledge of and experience working with a variety of lenses, tripods, flashes, filters, and light kits preferred
- Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere, Adobe Rush, After Effects, and Photoshop
- Passion and understanding of Wolf Trap recommended
- Must be available to work on-site evenings and weekends
- Required to upload a photo/video portfolio or a document with links to your online portfolio
CLOSED
Fundraising and Donor Relations
Be an integral part of Wolf Trap’s fundraising department, working closely with the major gifts and annual fund teams. You will participate in stewardship and cultivation events, assist with major gift solicitation strategy and gift proposals, and take the lead on writing year-end impact reports.
- Assist with preparation for cultivation and stewardship events
- Assist with writing major gift proposals and briefing sheets
- Serve as lead writer for year-end impact reports
- Research prospective funders
- Manage donor and prospect information in donor database
Requirements
- Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), experience with Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary
- Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative
APPLY NOW
Special Events and Event Rentals
Work behind the scenes with the Special Events team, assisting with the daily planning, logistics, coordination, and execution of Wolf Trap’s major fundraising events that help raise $1.5 million annually. You will also join in on the excitement of hosting private events at Wolf Trap’s many unique facilities, assisting with the daily functions of the Facility Rentals program.
- Coordinate set-up and on-site registration at events
- Assist with event invitation and RSVP process by managing information in the donor database
- Execute membership fulfillment and cultivation events
- Interact with donors, prospects, and board members on the phone, through email, and on-site at events
- Other projects include venue and industry research and managing social media accounts
- Other projects include planning silent auctions, members-only trips, marketing/outreach efforts for large events, and industry research
Requirements
- Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), experience with Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary
- Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative
CLOSED
Education Administration
The Education interns will work closely with the Wolf Trap Education team to facilitate and promote a wide range of programs for learners of all ages—from children and families to college students and teachers. Depending on the intern’s area of interest, they will work with the Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts or the Internships and Community Programs team. Projects specific to each team can be found below:
Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
- Support planning and coordination of Institute services (local, national, and international) to include classroom residencies and trainings, professional development workshops and trainings, family involvement workshops, Institute events, and special projects
- Assist in coordination of resource development, logistical planning and communication for services, professional development trainings, and events for National and Affiliate Services, DC/MD/VA Program, and Professional Development Trainings
- Collect survey responses, compile and evaluate data, and assist with program reporting to share program efficacy and impact with partners, funders/donors, and national affiliates
- Collaborate with Institute team to support special initiatives and program improvement addressing partner priorities and national trends in early childhood and arts-integrated education
- Participate in opportunities to deepen understanding of Institute programs such as residency planning meetings, teaching artist professional development trainings, and observations of Institute programs in early childhood classrooms/centers
- Create and edit content for print materials and social media outlets
Internships and Community Programs
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of the Internship and Apprenticeship Program, Grants for High School Performing Arts Teachers, Field Trips, and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
- Coordinate and implement networking events for the Internship and Apprenticeship Program
- Contribute to the marketing and promotion of Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods and the Internship and Apprenticeship Program
- Research prospective artists for future seasons of Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
CLOSED
Government Affairs
Working within the Government Affairs Department, you will help facilitate planning, special initiatives, and Board relations and operations of the Wolf Trap Foundation with respect to government relations, including coordinating activities of staff and outside partners on government relations projects.
- Prepare for and observe: staff planning sessions, meetings with arts and community partners and elected officials and government staff, and Board meetings
- Accompany Senior Director, Government Affairs to meetings with policymakers and their staffs as well as advocacy coalition activities
- Invite government and community leaders to special events
- Assist with cultivation and stewardship events with government officials
- Learn about the structure and function of a Board of Directors and its Government Relations Committee, including the role that government advocacy plays in a nonprofit organization
- Assist with coordination of all Wolf Trap Foundation intern visits to Hill
- Maintain project records; learn Raiser’s Edge fundraising software to track government officials
- Assist with promotion of initiatives through writing and public interface
- Conduct research to inform new initiatives
CLOSED
Human Resources
The Human Resources intern will work closely with the Human Resource Generalist and the Senior Director, Human Resources to support a diverse range of Human Resources and Benefits activities for approximately 100 employees and 550 seasonal/variable staff. Responsibilities may include assignments and special projects such as:
- Provide administrative support including employee records management, filing and archiving
- Background check administration
- Assist with orientations, onboarding process, policy development and staff event planning
- Participate in evaluation of current Human Resources processes and implementation of improvements to streamline and gain efficiency
- Assist with benefit plan renewals and Open Enrollment
- Make recommendations and updates to the staff intranet
- Draft standard position description language; update position description templates and format existing position descriptions
- Research and analyze best practices in Human Resources; assess current or proposed programs and initiatives against best practices; recommend and develop new programs to meet departmental objectives
Requirements
- Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude and professional demeanor
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational, customer service and project management skills
- Course of study or prior internship experience in Human Resources preferred
APPLY NOW
Opera Artistic Administration
Assist Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming in the daily operations of the department, which includes:
- The coordination and distribution of daily schedules
- Tracking Artist and VIP ticket requests and guest lists
- Creating supertitle PowerPoint files and cueing score for each show
- Compiling and editing program materials and text booklets
- Working with the Development and Special Events departments on donor receptions and opening night cast parties
Requirements
- Interest in pursuing a career in opera or classical music administration
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Publisher)
- Strong organizational & communication skills
- Previous experience with a performing arts organization strongly recommended
CLOSED
Production & Sound
Assist with stage set up, load-in, hospitality, sound, and lighting for performances ranging from chamber music to rock and roll.
Requirements
- Prior university level concert production experience, especially with an interest in sound reinforcement
- Ability to lift heavy items and work an evening and weekend schedule
CLOSED