Classical Music Festival Internship - PAID

The Lakes Area Music Festival is a year round music performance and education organization located in Brainerd, MN, about two hours north of Minneapolis

The central activities of the organization occur during the summer festival season in July and August. LAMF is hiring up to 3 interns (Arts Admin; Development/Fundraising; and Marketing) during in the summer of 2026. This position works closely with and reports to the Artistic and Executive Director, Scott Lykins.

Period of internship: June 1 to August 31, 2026 (start and end dates flexible)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Compensation: $15 per hour. Travel stipend and local host accommodations provided. Intern will need their own car and computer.

Location: On location in Brainerd, MN early June to August 25, housing provided.

*Applicants must be currently enrolled as a student, or recent (Spring 2026) graduate, in order to be eligible. This internship may be eligible for course credit for your degree; inquire with your school directly for more information.

Primary Duties

• ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
  • Assist the Executive Director in multi-department management of tasks leading up to, and during, the festival season
  • Concert Production. Assist with both front of house and back of house staff at over 50 events over six weeks
  • Attend and present at community events on behalf of the organization
  • Answer office phone and emails from audience on a daily basis
  • Help organize engagement of the Board of Directors in various meetings and activities

• DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING
  • Coordinate stewardship opportunities between donors and musicians
  • Support record-keeping and gift administration in donor CRM database (eTapestry)
  • Assist with two large-scale fundraisers, house parties, pre-concert receptions, and other smaller fundraising or development events
  • Pull reports and prepare recognition and mailing lists as needed
  • Track ticketing sales imports and audience tracking in order to personalize the concert experience

• MARKETING
  • Support marketing and mass communication efforts working with the marketing consultant and coordinator
  • Lead relationship-based grassroots marketing efforts, maximizing word-of-mouth publicity throughout central Minnesota
  • Ensure wide distribution of physical (posters, pamphlets) and digital marketing materials
  • Generate on-the-ground social media content

Competencies Required

• Knowledge of, or interest in, classical music
• General computer competency and comfort learning new software.
• Basic knowledge and experience with: Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Comfort interacting with various constituencies, including audiences and artists.
• Basic writing and editing skills.

Skills Developed

• Understanding and experience with with all aspects of nonprofit and concert management
• Experience in all areas of front of house and back of house concert production
• Improved written and verbal (one-on-one and public speaking) communication

To apply please complete the form and upload your cover letter and resume at: lakesareamusic.org/internships