Fall 2024 Public Programs (Paid) Intern

Applications are only accepted online via our career page: Countrymusichalloffame.org/careers. 

For application deadlines and internship dates, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.

Museum Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

Internship Program Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museum’s mission. The Museum’s internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week, 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.

The application process for prospective interns includes the submission of:

• An online application for the specific internship you are applying for via our internal hiring system
• A resume
• A one-page cover letter; it is recommended that your cover letter explain how your education and experience will contribute positively to this internship and how this internship relates to your academic pursuits and/or career goals
   

What We Offer Interns:

• The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelor's degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a master's degree or higher
• Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
• Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
• Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
• Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B, and the Museum’s galleries
• Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants
• Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music, the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more!
• Fun, friendly, and supportive learning environment
   

Field Forward Stipend: Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend, offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship, that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need. Field Forward’s goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more, including important deadlines, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.
 

Departmental Overview: Charged with the mission of educating varied audiences about country music, the Education and Community Engagement Department develops programs and resources that illuminate the stories, themes, and music explored in the Museum’s galleries. Serving nearly 100,000 people per year through 1,100 programs, the Education and Community Engagement Department supports students of all ages, from school groups and families who engage in hands-on learning activities to general Museum guests who experience performance presentations during their visit. A creative and curious team, staff is composed of traditional and nontraditional educators, including classroom teachers, visual artists, historians, museum educators, and professional musicians. Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum educators share a passion for country music, popular culture, and lifelong learning and regularly collaborate to develop and implement dynamic educational offerings commensurate with one of the most-visited history museums in America.

Public Programs Internship Overview: Housed within the Education and Community Engagement Department, Public Programs is responsible for educating varied audiences about country music through events that target adult audiences. The goal of the Public Programs internship is to gain experience in planning and executing a range of programs intended to educate adult audiences about country music. These programs may include live interviews and performances, concerts, film screenings, and other educational offerings. Under the guidance of the Public Programs team, the intern will learn to help prepare for and facilitate these programs, communicate with Museum visitors and program performers, and write various program support materials. The intern will also undertake administrative duties, attend team meetings, research, and brainstorm ways to support future programming, assist with select online content, and help facilitate other Education or non-public events as needed.
 

Specific Internship Duties:

Weekly Tasks:

• Research and write introductions for select programs
• Curate house music playlists for select programs
• Write program entries for web calendar as needed
• Review the web calendar for accuracy and report any inconsistencies
• Assist with “day-of-show” program management
• Artist and production tasks: set-up, escorting performers, taking detailed notes, and other tasks
• Guest and audience service tasks: managing guest lists, scanning tickets as needed, and fielding questions from Museum visitors
• Participate in department meetings

Ongoing Tasks:

• Research exhibit themes for corresponding programs
• Brainstorm and research program ideas
• Maintain digital records and reports
• Suggest edits to repackage recorded programs as digital content as needed
• Assist with program clip selection for social media as needed

Special Tasks:

• Lead one weekend of regular programs from advancing with the performers to writing and delivering the introductions in front of the audience
   

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student

Preferred Requirements:

• Seeking a degree in education, music, museum studies, event management, or related field
• Customer service experience
• An interest in country music, or willingness to learn

Conditions of Internship:

• Must be able to work weekends (although weekend hours are required, some of our special programs occur outside of typical Museum hours (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT), so a flexible schedule is ideal for the intern to gain the most experience with a variety of programs)
• Lift 25 lbs. or less
   

Note to Applicant:

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for this position.

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique, and we believe that fostering a culture of inclusion is essential to institutional excellence. The Museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively seeking opportunities to learn about and establish practices that further facilitate equity. The Museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for internships, hiring managers may only contact you if they are interested in scheduling an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about your status in the search.

Visit Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships for details about the application process, including important deadlines.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: Countrymusichalloffame.org/careers.