Fall 2024 Public Relations (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: The Public Relations Department is a trusted partner, collaborator, and advisor that provides strategic communications counsel on a range of projects including, but not limited to, messaging, corporate positioning, reputation management, crisis communication, news story development, media relations, grassroots projects, and integrated marketing approaches. 

Public Relations Internship Overview: This internship’s goal is to engage the intern in public and media relations experiences in a museum environment. The Public Relations intern will work with the team handling all facets of public and media relations for the Museum, Historic RCA Studio B, and Hatch Show Print. The intern will receive hands-on training from the Public Relations team on a wide range of projects to help expand their communication and relationship building skills and prepare them to manage high-profile tasks and professional challenges. The intern will also assist in the building of and outreach to media contacts regarding various museum-related programs and exhibitions and compile those clips for internal reporting and sharing. 

Specific Internship Duties:

• Update and manage press contact databases
• Assist in drafting listing releases and other public relations content and materials, including compiling Museum events weekly to share with local listing editors
• Aid in coordinating/facilitating media coverage at numerous Museum events, including exhibit openings
• Compile clip metrics and create weekly department reports highlighting press hits
• Organize department drives and files
• Manage inter-departmental sharing of media
• Assist with photo and film crews on-site
• Monitor news to assist team with finding relevant media contacts and timely story ideas
   

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student studying public relations, communications, or a related field

Preferred Requirements:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office package, including Word and Excel
• Strong organizational and writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills

Conditions of Internship:

• Some evening and/or weekend events possible if available
   

Notes to Applicant:

Please upload a resume and a 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 further details about the application process, including important deadlines.

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