Summer 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 all 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. Please see individual position descriptions for more detailed information.
Applications are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will begin on March 1. It’s best to submit your application early as positions will close as they are filled. Applications will not be considered after March 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.
- Portfolio samples (required for Graphic Design, Photography, and Social Media & Multimedia applicants only).
- Contact information for two references.
For questions or concerns, please email
internships@wolftrap.org.
AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS:
Communications & Marketing
Development
Education Administration
Finance
Human Resources
Information Technology
Ticket Services
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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Photography
Gain experience as a member of a professional in-house creative team at a nonprofit arts organization! Help build the institutional image library at Wolf Trap by capturing, editing, and archiving photographs of onsite events and activities.
- Contribute to the Wolf Trap image library by documenting performances and member and patron experiences using photography
- Study library of Filene Center venue/patron/audience images, and recommend procedure for capturing these moments in a fresh way
- Facilitate cross-departmental communications by assisting others in accessing photo assets
Requirements
- Talented photography students with enthusiasm for the performing arts
- 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 Bridge
- Please upload a document that includes a link to your online portfolio that shows 12-20 samples of your photography work–performance and event photography samples a plus
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Publications
The Publications Intern will support the Communications & Marketing team by writing, editing, and proofing copy for Wolf Trap’s print and online platforms. Through strategic and creative storytelling, this intern will help support Wolf Trap’s 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 program books and publications
- Research, write, and edit feature content pieces for program books, Wolf Trap’s All Access blog, and other public communications
- Assist with building out digital program book pages on the Center Lines Online Wordpress site
- Provide support for the program book and publication review processes
- Contribute to brainstorming content ideas that tell the Wolf Trap story to diverse audiences
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 and Wordpress is preferred
- Communication, public relations, and journalism majors are preferred, however, great writing samples will make you stand out no matter what your focus
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Public Relations & Communications
Help develop and implement PR strategies at Wolf Trap performances and events by writing and assisting with the distribution of press releases, coordinating press attendance, media coverage tracking, crafting pitches, working with local media, artist’s publicists, and more.
- Respond to queries from both press and public
- Assist with upkeep of a variety of Wolf Trap digital communication tools
- Populate online event sites with Wolf Trap performance detail
- Coordinate permissions with artist management
- Assist with the creation of promotional articles
- Proofread and edit copy
Requirements
- Strong ability to communicate verbally and in writing
- Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or Arts Administration majors/backgrounds preferred
- Experience with digital communication tools, including media tracking tools (such as Cision)
- Familiarity with the local press and related print, broadcast, and online news outlets
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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 Trap’s 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
- Required to upload a photo/video portfolio sample or a document with a link to your online portfolio
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Corporate & Foundation Relations
Join in on the excitement of bringing corporate partnerships to life at Wolf Trap. Gain hands-on experience by helping to execute onsite sponsorship activations, plan events for regional corporate leadership, and assist in delivering excellent customer service to corporate and foundation partners.
- Assist in the planning and execution of onsite summer sponsorship activations (some nights and weekends required; occasional carrying/lifting of up to 25 lbs. with assistance)
- Interact with partners and assist with questions regarding benefits, delivering top-notch customer service
- Experience corporate and foundation partner cultivation through attendance at events and partner meetings
- Maintain up-to-date gift and contact records in donor database
- Assist with execution of cultivation and stewardship events
- Support prospect research and pipeline development
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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Development
Be an integral part of Wolf Trap’s Annual Giving program, joining a dynamic team that manages individual membership (gifts up to $25,000). Get hands-on experience planning and participating in stewardship and cultivation events, creating solicitation and stewardship materials, and assisting with benefit fulfillment, including providing excellent customer service by phone, in writing, and in person.
- Assist with preparation for cultivation and stewardship events for members and sponsors
- Research prospective donors
- Produce content for donor communication and My Wolf Trap, Wolf Trap’s members-only website
- Record and manage information in fundraising database
- Assist donors with questions regarding membership benefits
- Create and maintain the schedule for on-site recognition of sponsors and donors
- Manage logistics of the Encore Circle Lounge, Wolf Trap’s VIP lounge (summer only)
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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Fundraising
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 & 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
- Manage logistics for Facility Rentals projects and events
- Interact with donors, prospects, and board members on the phone, through email, and on-site at events
- 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
APPLY NOW
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
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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.
- Prepare and reconcile monthly radio advertising journal entries
- Assist with monthly bank reconciliation
- Assist in month-end counting and reconciling of gift shop inventory
- Prepare spreadsheets to reconcile accounts to the general ledger
- Input daily deposits into general ledger
- Prepare budget and year-end projection spreadsheets
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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Gain essential technical experience working with the Wolf Trap Foundation Information Technology team!
- Troubleshoot computer and mobile device hardware and software issues
- Assist with end-user Help Desk and AV requests
- Deploy new computer workstations
- Setup and manage the yearly computer and electronic equipment recycling pickup
- Other projects will be assigned as needed, based on abilities and interests
Requirements
- Working knowledge of Windows XP, 7, 8.1, 10, MAC OSX, iOS and Android.
- Proficiency in MS Office 2010 & 2013
- Basic knowledge of TCP/IP and networking
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
- Ability to communicate well, both in written form and verbally
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Ticket Services
Assist with ticket operations for upcoming performances, which helps increase Wolf Trap’s 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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