Development and Membership Management Internship

Development and Membership Management Intern

Working alongside our small but efficient development team, you will gain valuable experience in and understanding of the vital role that development plays in supporting the museum’s mission. This work is accomplished through timely donor communications, solicitation of private donations and sponsorships of special events, membership program, and grant writing. 

What you will do: The intern will gain experience in all areas of the development office including learning and working with the development database to enter and clean data, pull reports, and analyze donor engagement and giving; conducting donor research; writing donor communications; researching and writing grants and sponsorship proposals; providing customer service directly to patrons and trustees; learning about membership and giving programs; and supporting the department with special projects. The intern will also help to support the Events staff in planning and executing the annual fundraising Gala on August 3.

Qualifications: The Development Intern must be enthusiastic, hard-working, flexible, and a skilled-problem solver; have demonstrated success in multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment; be able to follow directions and show initiative, as the situation requires; be able to maintain composure and a sense of humor in high-pressure situations; and have a familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel experience a plus). Prior experience working with the public is helpful but not required. 

General Information

In 2024, this immersive, ten-week paid internship is part of a Hancock Shaker Village educational program that begins with orientation on Tuesday, June 4, and concludes on Friday, August 9.  Summer internships are full time (35-40 hours/week) and may include weekend shifts. Weekly schedules will be determined in advance of arrival by the interns and their supervisors.  On-site housing is provided (no meal plan).

Interns receive a stipend of $2,500, paid in weekly installments of $250. Interns are also offered on-site housing in the shared intern apartment in one of our historic buildings. Interns must provide their own meals and transportation. Because of the distance from shopping and other amenities, access to a car during the internship is highly recommended for a better experience but is not required. 

In addition to the duties of individual internships, all Hancock Shaker Village interns participate in weekly intern meetings to learn about the work of the Village and enjoy field trips to regional cultural and agricultural institutions. All interns will also assist with the summer fundraising gala on Saturday, August 3. 

How to Apply

Applicants should submit through Handshake OR send 1) a letter of interest (indicating the internship(s) for which you wish to be considered), 2) a resume, and 3) the names and contact information for two professional or academic references to Cindy Dickinson, Director of Education, Hancock Shaker Village, at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received no later than Friday, March 29, at 4 pm. 

Questions? Contact Cindy Dickinson at cdickinson@hancockshakervillage.org or at 413-443-0188 x213.