External Relations Intern (Summer 2010)

Marketing and Communications Intern (Summer 2010)

Launch Zone Intern (Summer 2010)

External Relations Intern (Summer 2010)     

A museum for children and families, designated by the U.S. Congress as the National Children’s Museum (NCM), will be established at the new National Harbor waterfront development in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Scheduled to open in 2013, NCM is in the second-phase of a $182 million campaign.

Reporting to NCM’s VP for External Relations, the External Relations Intern assists with all fundraising and communications activities and completes special research projects for the department.  The ideal candidate will bring an enthusiastic, can-do attitude with a talent for handling details.  The candidate will have a strong sense of professionalism and a team approach to effectively take NCM forward in this historic project serving the interests of children. 

Key Responsibilities

NCM seeks an individual with the capacity to effectively do the following:

• Work with the Vice President for External Relations to research and develop cultivation and solicitation plans for key prospects.
• Write at least one grant proposal.
• Assist with research on individual and institutional prospects.
• Assist with materials preparation for weekly staff meetings.
• Assist with preparation for and execution of cultivation events.
• Provide assistance with administrative operations.
• Attend all External Relations staff meetings and at least one board committee meeting.
• Other projects, both fundraising and communications, to be designed in consultation with the Vice President for External Relations.

Ideal Qualities

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent comprehension and organizational skills
• High level of professionalism
• Ability to function effectively under stress
• Strong ability to relate to people at all business and social levels
• Self-motivated work style
• Friendly and outgoing personality
• Enthusiasm and dedication to teamwork
• Respect for confidentiality of all records

Education and Experience Applicants must be full time undergraduate students returning to their sophomore, junior or senior year of college in fall 2010.  Some coursework and/or related experience similar to key responsibilities outlined above.  Interest in pursuing non-profit fundraising career a plus.

Compensation Through the generous support of the Exxon Mobil Community Summer Jobs Program, interns are paid a salary of $2,750 for a full-time eight week commitment. Exact dates are flexible.

To Apply Please send a cover letter, résumé, three references, a brief writing sample (1-3 pages) and dates of availability by email to theaphy@ncm.museum or by mail to:

Tony Heaphy

National Children's Museum

955 L'Enfant Plaza North, SW

Suite 5100

Washington DC, 20024

Deadline to apply for summer internship: March 19, 2010

Marketing and Communications Intern (Summer 2010)

Position Summary:
The National Children’s Museum is seeking a part-time intern (16-24 hours per week) for Summer 2010, to aid the Museum’s communications and marketing team with a variety of tasks that promote and support the mission and programs of the National Children's Museum.

Responsibilities May Include:

·         Aiding with collateral development and execution

·         Researching a variety of marketing and communications opportunities

·         Developing media lists

·         Drafting communications and marketing materials

·         Monitoring relevant issues in the media

·         Aiding with website maintenance

·         Participating in Museum brainstorms and meetings

·         Assisting the external relations team with programs and events and providing administrative support

Reports to: Marketing & Communications Manager
Division: External Relations

Minimum Education Requirements:

Ideal candidates are pursuing a BA Degree, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism.

Skills and Attributes:

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Knowledge of Adobe programs and Microsoft PowerPoint

Knowledge of AP style

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others

To Be Considered For This Position:
Qualified applicants are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter via e-mail or fax to jhahey@ncm.museum or 202-675-4140. No phone calls, please.

About the National Children’s Museum:

Scheduled to open in 2013, the National Children’s Museum (NCM) will be a world-class cultural and educational center dedicated to engaging children and empowering them to make a difference. The mission of NCM is to inspire children to care about and improve the world. Through its interactive exhibits, online community (www.ncm.museum), and unique national programs and partnerships, NCM is transforming the concept of a traditional museum by becoming a catalyst and forum for a national movement to inspire and empower kids to speak up, take action, and get engaged in their communities. Through 2013, NCM is operating as a Museum Without Walls, participating in a variety of community events and working with other arts and cultural organizations to develop creative partnerships that benefit kids and families. In 2009, NCM opened the Launch Zone, a 2,700 square-foot space at National Harbor where kids and families can prototype and test exhibit and program concepts.

Launch Zone Intern (Summer 2010)

The National Children’s Museum (NCM) Launch Zone Intern is responsible for ensuring the Launch Zone is (1) physically prepared for visitors and (2) interacting with visitors to the through programmatic and concierge roles. The position reports to the Launch Zone Team Leader and Manager of Museum Without Walls. The department is overseen by the Director of Museum Without Walls and is part of the Exhibits and Public Programs Division of NCM. This is an unpaid internship.

Internship Duration & Time Commitments

·         Begin mid May 2010 / End mid August 2010

·         Work 4 days (24-32 hours) per week at the NCM Launch Zone

o   Of the 4 work days each week, 3 must be on program days [Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday]

o   Saturday and occasional Sunday hours will be required

About National Children’s Museum

Scheduled to open in 2013, the National Children’s Museum (NCM) will be a world-class cultural and educational center dedicated to engaging children and empowering them to make a difference. The mission of NCM is to inspire children to care about and improve the world. Through its interactive exhibits, online community (www.ncm.museum), and unique national programs and partnerships, NCM is transforming the concept of a traditional museum by becoming a catalyst and forum for a national movement to inspire and empower kids to speak up, take action, and get engaged in their communities. Through 2013, NCM is operating as a Museum Without Walls, participating in a variety of community events and working with other arts and cultural organizations to develop creative partnerships that benefit kids and families.

Last spring, NCM opened the Launch Zone, a 2,700 square-foot space at National Harbor where kids and families can prototype and test exhibit and program concepts. For more information, visit www.ncm.museum.

The Launch Zone Intern will work with the Launch Zone Team to develop family-friendly programs and hands-on interactives. The intern will order and prepare supplies and other associated materials for each program, as well as deliver programs and represent the Museum.

Duties

1.    Deliver Museum Without Walls programming in the NCM Launch Zone and at other National Harbor locations.

2.    Assist in the preparation, maintenance, and inventory of Museum Without Walls program supplies and materials.

3.    Maintain a physical presence at the reception desk, greet visitors and provide information about NCM, the NCM Launch Zone, and NCM programs.

4.    Answer multi-line telephone and provide information about NCM, the NCM Launch Zone, and NCM programs to callers.

5.    Collect visitor data when necessary and report results to appropriate staff members.

6.    Monitor NCM Launch Zone exhibits during open hours to ensure that they available and operable for visitors.

7.    Monitor the cleanliness of the NCM Launch Zone and conduct light cleaning as needed, including restrooms.

8.    Notify appropriate staff members of necessary maintenance of the NCM Launch Zone, equipment, and exhibits.

9.    Other duties as required.

Requirements

1.     Self-starter that can work independently with minimal direct supervision.

2.     Energetic, creative, friendly demeanor with a positive attitude when working with the public.

3.     Dependable, professional behavior with a responsible work ethic.

4.     Experience working with children and families with a proven interest in early childhood development, elementary education, or family studies.

5.     Excellent communication skills.

6.     Ability to multi-task.

7.     Ability to maintain the integrity of sensitive and confidential information.

8.     Fluency in Spanish or other foreign language is a bonus.

9.     Functional knowledge of Windows Office Suite.

10.  Valid driver’s license.

Qualified applicants should send a resume and cover letter by Monday, March 22, 2010:

Christy Kissick
Launch Zone Team Leader

NCM Launch Zone
112 Waterfront Street | National Harbor, MD 20745
ckissick@ncm.museum