Emerging Arts Leader Internship: Exhibitions & Publications

Job Description

About Company

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is an institution committed to reflecting the community it exists in, striving for diversity among its employees, volunteers, and interns. Its mission is “connecting art to life,” and its vision calls for responsiveness to a multitude of cultural contexts and lived experiences. SAM’s Strategic Plan directly addresses the role of art in empowering social justice movements and promoting structural change to further equity in society.

SAM is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace, recognizing that people of color are most impacted by historical and present inequities. The organization sees equity not as a fixed destination but an ongoing reckoning, continually striving to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It is especially interested in engaging with individuals who have been historically underrepresented in the museum field. SAM aims to build a diverse workplace and foster a sense of belonging for every employee, believing that the organization is at its best when it celebrates difference.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer, considering qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, or other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are considered for employees with disabilities.

Employees and interns at SAM have access to various benefits, including an onsite fitness facility, SAM’s museum library, a no-cost Employee Assistance Program, discounts at the SAM Museum Shop and MARKET café, guest passes, and access to Home Free Guarantee cab rides.

Job Description

TITLE: Emerging Arts Leader Internship: Exhibitions & Publications

TYPE: This is a Temporary, Part-Time Internship position.

DURATION & SCHEDULE:
• The internship runs from September 15 – December 4, 2025.
• It requires approximately 15 hours per week, totaling up to 150 hours over roughly 10 weeks.
• All internship work must be completed by December 31, 2025, in accordance with grant funding timelines.
• Flexibility is available to accommodate academic schedules, and some remote work may be possible depending on team needs.

COMPENSATION:
• $20.76 per hour (Seattle’s minimum wage).
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 15th, 2025

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
• Purpose: Emerging Arts Leader internships are designed to open career pathways for individuals who bring dynamic backgrounds and perspectives to art, museums, or community engagement.
• Diversity Focus: These internships specifically aim to create pathways for individuals from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the museum field, including, but not limited to, those who identify as Black or African American, Asian, Latino/a/x or Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander.
• Funding: All internships are funded by the IMLS Emerging Arts Leader Grant.

ROLE & DEPARTMENT:
• The Exhibitions & Publications Intern will work closely with SAM’s Exhibitions & Publications team within the Curatorial Department.
• This internship offers hands-on experience in arts publications, museum operations, and curatorial support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Department Project Execution – 100%):
The intern’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Organizing on-site storage of SAM publications.
• Creating an inventory of current publication stock and storage locations.
• Building a comprehensive directory of SAM publications by year.
• Assisting with copyright registration procedures, including mailings and documentation.
• Observing cross-departmental meetings between the Publications team and Curatorial stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to clearly articulate goals, progress, and outcomes to a professional audience.
• Understanding of concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated interest in publications, curatorial work, or related fields.
• Ability to articulate how this internship supports your professional goals in museums, publishing, or the broader arts and culture industry.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PARTICIPATION:
All Emerging Arts Leader (EAL) Interns will:
• Develop and deliver a brief presentation related to their internship work or professional interests.
• Complete a one-page reflection, blog post, or interview about the internship experience.
• Participate in scheduled workshops, check-ins, and informational interviews with staff.

BENEFITS (FOR TEMPORARY SAM STAFF AND INTERNS):
• Access to an onsite fitness facility.
• Access to SAM’s museum library.
• Access to a no-cost Employee Assistance Program.
• 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop.
• 10% discount at SAM’s MARKET café.
• 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked.
• Access to 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year.
• Accrued paid sick leave (1 hour for every 40 hours worked, per Washington State law).
• Specific for Interns: Eligible for a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, access to member rates for ticketed events at SAM, and access to a subsidized ORCA card (public transit pass).

ACCOMMODATION:
• The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. Requests can be made via hr@seattleartmuseum.org.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT:
• Must reside in the state of Washington.
• Employment is contingent upon successful clearing and maintenance of clearance in both a federal and state criminal background check.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO APPLY:
SAM explicitly encourages applicants to submit an application even if their experience doesn’t feel like a 100% match with the position. This is particularly aimed at womxn and people of color, who research suggests are less likely to apply if they don’t see themselves meeting or exceeding every single qualification listed. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they feel unsure about meeting every requirement.