Emerging Arts Leader Internship: Individual Giving

Job Description

About company

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects its diverse community. Its mission, “connecting art to life,” and vision call 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. The organization is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace, acknowledging that people of color are most impacted by historical and present inequities. SAM strives to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace and is especially interested in engaging with individuals historically underrepresented in the museum field. They encourage applications even if candidates don’t feel they meet every single qualification, aiming to build a diverse workplace where a sense of belonging is fostered for every employee.

SAM values collaboration, learning, and innovation. Employment at SAM requires residency in the state of Washington and successful completion of federal and state criminal background checks.

Benefits for temporary SAM staff and interns include:
• Access to an onsite fitness facility and SAM’s museum library.
• No-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resource.
• 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and 10% at SAM’s MARKET cafe.
• 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked.
• 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year.
• Accrual of paid sick leave (1 hour for every 40 hours worked, per Washington State law).
• Specific to Interns: Eligibility 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.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, or other legally protected characteristics. They offer reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Job description, detailed

Title: Emerging Arts Leader Internship: Individual Giving

Nature of Employment: Temporary, Part-Time

Duration & Schedule:
• Start Date: September 15, 2025
• End Date: December 4, 2025
• Total Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week, up to 150 total hours over roughly 10 weeks. All internship work must be completed by December 31, 2025, due to grant funding.
• Flexibility: Available to accommodate academic schedules.
• Remote Work: Some remote work may be possible depending on team needs.
• Event Support: Occasional evening or daytime event support is required.

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

Application Deadline: August 15th, 2025

Program Overview:
This internship is part of the Emerging Arts Leader (EAL) Program, funded by the IMLS Emerging Arts Leader Grant. The program aims to open career pathways for individuals who bring dynamic backgrounds and perspectives to the arts, museums, or community engagement fields. It specifically targets 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. The program is structured around a 150-hour commitment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (100% Department Project Execution):
The Individual Giving Intern will work closely with the Individual Giving team to support various fundraising and donor relations activities. This role offers a unique opportunity for those interested in fundraising, nonprofit administration, and arts communications. Responsibilities include:
• Content Generation: Gather and draft donor newsletter content through interviews with colleagues from Education, Public Engagement, Curatorial, and Conservation departments. Generate content for donor outreach communications.
• Data Management: Support data entry and updates of Board information in Tessitura (a CRM database). Assist with Tessitura record cleanup and attribute maintenance.
• Event Logistics: Monitor RSVP inbox and track responses for the “Farm to Table” opening event.
• Donor Solicitations: Assist with preparation and mailing of donor solicitations for the Fall 2025 acquisition campaign and rolling renewals.
• Administrative Support: Help schedule donor tours and provide related administrative support.

Required Qualifications:
• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Skills: Strong writing and communication skills; ability to clearly articulate goals, progress, and outcomes to a professional audience.
• Mindset: Understanding of concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice.
• Availability: Must be available to attend the following specific events:
• Tuesday, October 21 (evening): Farm to Table opening
• Friday, November 14 (evening): Fundraising Gala
• Occasional weekday donor tours

Preferred Qualifications:
• Interest in the arts, fundraising, development, or nonprofit management.
• Basic familiarity with CRM databases (e.g., Tessitura).
• Ability to demonstrate how this internship supports your professional goals in the arts or cultural sector.

Internship Program Participation Requirements:
All EAL Interns are required to:
• Develop and deliver a brief presentation related to their internship work or professional interests.
• Complete a one-page reflection, blog post, or interview about their internship experience.
• Participate in scheduled workshops, check-ins, and informational interviews with SAM staff.