Fall 2023 internships will be hybrid or in-person 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.
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
Finance
Human Resources
Opera Artistic Administration
Production & Sound
Ticket Services
Education Communications
The Education Communications Intern will support the Communications & Marketing team by writing copy for print and online platforms, and helping to develop and implement public relations tactics for Wolf Trap’s education initiatives, including Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Internships, and Community Programs. Through creating multi-purpose content, writing and editing artist profiles, assisting with press attendance, assisting with social media outreach and blog posts, tracking PR coverage, and more, the intern will support Wolf Trap’s institutional and communication goals related to Education. While this position is based in Communications & Marketing, the Education Communications intern will interface regularly with the Education Department.
- Write and edit artist profiles, promotional articles, and copy for publications and online platforms – such as the blog and various social media platforms
- Conduct/coordinate local media outreach
- Document in-person events for social media
- Proofread and edit copy
- Assist with upkeep of a variety of digital and social communication tools
- Learn media tracking tools and assist with PR coverage
Requirements
- Strong writing skills
- Copyediting skills and sharp attention to detail
- Excellent skills in research and organization
- Familiarity with social media platforms, primarily Twitter, basic knowledge of analytics a plus
- Photography, basic photo and video editing skills a plus
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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
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Marketing
Learn the ins and outs of marketing for a nonprofit arts organization in a diverse role that helps drive ticket sales and attendance, while assisting in promotions, events, and more. You will assist with the creation and implementation of advertising campaigns including grassroots outreach, direct mail pieces, email marketing and more.
- Coordinate grassroots marketing efforts to drive ticket sales: CRM list generation for email marketing, flyer distribution, promotions, etc.
- Assist with summer brochure distribution campaign
- Research areas for expanding exposure to targeted audiences
- Assist with planning and implementation of select promotional events both on-site and off-site
- Event Calendar Listings across third party websites
- Content creation for select advertising deliverables
- Research projects as assigned
Requirements
- Creativity, initiative, organization, and strong attention to detail
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Demonstrates strategic and critical thinking skills
- Working knowledge of the Washington DC media market and understanding of the performing arts patron a plus
- Marketing students (or related area of study) preferred
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Help capture the Wolf Trap experience while enhancing your expertise of visual storytelling! Multimedia/Social Media interns have a hands-on role in telling the Wolf Trap story through visual & digital media. Responsibilities include: assisting with community engagement and content production for Wolf Traps social media channels, documenting select performances and events, and updating our video and photo databases.
- Assist with research and content production of materials related to performances at The Barns and the Filene Center
- Document the Wolf Trap experience using photography and videography
- Serve as House Photographer for select Wolf Trap performances at The Barns and special events. Assist professional photographers during contracted shoots
- Brainstorm, pitch, and create compelling multimedia stories that generate excitement about the Wolf Trap experience and build support for our concerts and program work
- Contribute to management of photo and video archives. This includes selecting best images and edit, color correct, and optimize photos 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
- Background in photography and/or videography, either through extracurriculars, academic experience, or professional internship experience
- Background in contributing to management of professional social media accounts; working knowledge of Facebook, Twitter & Instagram on a professional level
- Good communication & solid writing skills
- Interest & enthusiasm for social media platforms
- Access to basic still 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 Photoshop and video editing software
- Portfolio required at time of interview
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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
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Special Events and Facility 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
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Education Administration
The Education Administration 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
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Finance
Perfect for Accounting majors/minors with an attention to detail. This intern assists the Foundation’s Finance department with managing cash flow, payroll, investments, inventory, and monthly financial reports.
- Input daily deposits into general ledger
- Assist in weekly cash counting
- Assist with monthly bank reconciliations
- Prepare spreadsheets to reconcile accounts to the general ledger
- Prepare fixed asset inventory
- Assist in budget and year-end projection spreadsheets
- Assist in ad-hoc payroll projects
Requirements
- Must be an Accounting major or minor
- Must know how to prepare excel spreadsheets
- Detail-oriented and organized
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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
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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
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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
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Ticket Services
Assist with ticket operations for upcoming performances, which helps increase Wolf Traps exposure and reputation. Handle requests, and assist with performances at the Filene Center and The Barns at Wolf Trap. Applicants should be personable as they will interact directly with patrons, group leaders, and donors.
- Provide relevant ticket information to internal and external customers
- Financial reconciliation and reporting
- Learn ProVenue ticketing system and relevant ticketing reports
- Assist with creating Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods statements
- Assist with running lists for welcome emails and marketing lists for Filene Center, Barns and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Requirements
- Strong customer service skills, business writing, creativity, and initiative
- Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Attention to detail
- Enthusiasm and initiative
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