Fall 2024 Development (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 Development Department oversees all philanthropy on behalf of the Museum, which includes Museum membership; annual, major, and planned giving; special events, which range from exhibition opening receptions to fundraisers; as well as foundation, corporate, sponsorship and government giving programs. We also steward relationships with Country Music Hall of Fame® members; the broader music community; elected officials; local, state, and national arts organizations; and Museum donors. We are constant advocates for the arts on local and national levels, and we publish strategic communications on the Museum’s behalf, such as the Annual Report. Our goal is to provide excellent stewardship to all who make gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the mission in support of our mission-focused work.

Development Internship Overview: The Development intern will be a part of and work alongside the Development team. The goal of this internship is for the intern to learn the various aspects of philanthropy and stewardship at a major museum. The intern will gain hands-on experience in: hosting Museum events, grant research, donor and constituent support, corporate partnerships, memberships, and major gifts. 

Specific Internship Duties: 

• Support donor/constituent stewardship, benefit fulfillment, and acknowledgement processes for corporate partnership program, Museum membership program, major gifts, and events
• Work within the constituent relationship management database (Tessitura) to enter and maintain data essential to Development outreach and organization
• Assist corporate partnership program with management of in-kind partnership trade allotments and inventory
• Assist Museum membership program with customer service, retention and renewal solicitation, and benefit fulfillment
• Help with execution of internal Museum events such as private exhibit openings, donor events, and major fundraisers
• Complete research to support charitable solicitation of major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and fundraising events
• Lend general administrative assistance to Development staff
   

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

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

Preferred Requirements:

• Interest and/or previous experience in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, arts and cultural institutions, and/or country music history
• Pursuing degree or coursework in business, nonprofit management, museum administration, music, communications, or a related field

Conditions of Internship:

• Internship hours are between Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT; must be available to work select evenings and weekends for special events
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement
   

Note 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 details about the application process, including important deadlines.

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