RISD NY

Multicultural Undergraduate Students Invited to Apply for Arts Management Internships

The Arts & Business Council of New York (ABC/NY), a division of the national service organization Americans for the Arts, is now accepting applications from potential interns and nonprofit arts organizations for its Multicultural Arts Management Internship program, which will take place June 6–August 12, 2011. The program is designed to diversify the field of arts management and thus seeks candidates from traditionally under-represented backgrounds in the field, e.g. individuals of African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latina/o, or Native American descent. In its review of candidates, ABC/NY will give preference to these applicants.

Each year, ABC/NY matches select undergraduate students with New York City arts organizations to learn the business of the arts and with corporate mentors who can guide their personal and professional growth. Intern host arts organizations represent a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, museums, and arts services.  Corporate mentors hold numerous professional occupations but share a common passion for the arts and desire to guide a young person in his/her pursuits.

 Each intern spends ten weeks at a New York City arts organization, working Monday through Friday, full time. In addition, interns attend site visits to all participating arts organizations; an opening orientation breakfast meeting; weekly social gatherings and/or workshops; and a closing ceremony and reception. Interns may complete projects in marketing and communications, development (fundraising), event planning, audience development, community outreach, and more. Participating students come from around the country, and they bring with them a variety of personal and academic backgrounds. Interns receive a stipend of $2,500 and MetroCards for unlimited travel on NYC subways and buses for the duration of the internship.

Intern applicants must be U.S. citizens or prove eligibility to work in the U.S., be available for the entire duration of the program, and have completed their freshman year of undergraduate study as of June 2011.  Successful candidates also should be able to demonstrate an interest in arts management and arts/business/marketing coursework or extracurricular activities.  Application deadline:  February 18, 2011.

All NYC nonprofit arts organization are eligible to apply to host an intern. Host organization applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and have a minimum of two, preferably more, full-time professional staff members. Organizations selected to host an intern must be or become members of ABC/NY.  Successful candidates also should be able to demonstrate a proposed arts management project that is challenging and substantive, and not only clerical in nature; and a positive, nurturing working and learning environment. Application deadline:  February 4, 2011.

Additional information and application procedures for both interns and arts host organizations are available at www.artsandbusiness-ny.org/sc/internship

• Identify and prioritize communications opportunities and execute strategies to support them;
• Develop, integrate and implement of broad range of communication activities to increase awareness of the Museum;
• Engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage for Museum exhibitions, public programs, special events, public announcements and other initiatives;
• Oversee activities and develop priorities for external public relations consultant and graphic designer;
• Coach senior staff members as spokespersons for the Museum;
• Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed;
• Lead the generation of online content;
• Coordinate webpage maintenance to ensure new and consistent information is posted regularly;
• Coordinate the overall communication strategy;
• Use social networking platforms to create momentum and awareness;
• Manage media contacts;
• Develop and refine key messages to ensure consistency;
• Identify media and policy issues that can be leveraged to support the Museum’s mission and fundraising goals;
• Serve as editor for the website;
• Respond to press inquiries about the Museum;
• Develop a budget for the annual communications plan;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategy and plan necessary revisions or improvements to guarantee alignment with institutional goals.

• Degree in marketing, communications or journalism;
• Demonstrated experience in developing a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing program to advance mission and goals;
• Track record of positioning an organization to raise awareness for maximum visibility;
• 10 years experience in management or senior communications role at a nonprofit organization, preferably in a museum setting;
• Significant communications experience that includes advocacy and media relations;
• Extensive writing and editing experience;
• Commitment to work collaboratively with staff and board members;
• Demonstrated skills in relationship building and with top tier reporters, editors and successfully positioning subject matter;
• Thoughtful application of new media technologies;
• Innovative thinker;
• Stature and confidence to gain credibility and respect of peers and
• board;
• Self-starter who succeeds in a fast paced environment.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and to careers@africanart.org with the subject “Communications Manager.”