Job Description:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities.

We are passionate about transforming lives through experiences that encourage the discovery of new ideas, expanded dreams, and inspired actions.

As an intern at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, you will be empowered to think creatively, ask questions, and make suggestions to help move the institution forward.

Position Summary:

The Crystal Bridges Media Relations Internship is an outstanding opportunity for a student or recent graduate looking to round out his or her portfolio and resume with real-world application of media and public relations practice. The Media Relations Intern will learn how an in-house communications department supports the goals and objectives of the Museum through deployment of specific promotional channels and tactics supporting a variety of projects from start to finish and ranging from large to small. The Media Relations Intern will gain an understanding of how varied communications pieces support the Museum’s promotions and branding. Sample hands-on tactics will include executing communications plans, writing for various media, issuing messages via social media, and earned media, refining pitching, follow-up and results-reporting skills. The performance will be evaluated on the ability to meet deadlines, follow directions, and contribute workable solutions to media relations challenges.

Principle Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

Areas of Support:

The Media Relations Intern will support the following areas in Media Relations:

• Social Media
• Media Relations
• E-newsletter and online communications
• Results Tracking and Reporting

Position Requirements:

• Completed fundamental and advanced coursework in journalism, marketing, public relations, English or related program at the college level.
• Demonstrated experience in use of social media.
• Polished written and verbal communications and an ability to adapt voice to message.
• Familiarity with using computers and the Internet as research and communications tools.
• Ability to accept and synthesize constructive critique of work.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Photography skills a plus.
• Must use own laptop and word processing software on-site.
• Ability to work at least 10 hours per week.
• Sign a confidentiality agreement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ideal candidate is pursuing an undergraduate degree in public relations, communications, marketing, graphic design, fine arts, or related area of study from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Ideal candidate working knowledge of Adobe CS, Microsoft Word, and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to practice the highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of Museum practices.
• Belief in the Museum as a cause for social good and a positive, dynamic force for economic development

Schedule:

• Monday, January 22, 2024, to Friday, April 26, 2024
• Weeks: 14 weeks
• Hours: Undergraduate Interns: $13 an hour; Graduate Interns: $14 an hour
• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor.

Timeline:

• Applications due: Friday, November 10, 2023
• Intern selected by: Friday, December 1, 2023
• Anticipated Start Date: Monday, January 22, 2024, to Friday, April 26, 2024

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
  • Why are you interested in this internship opportunity and how will this internship assist you?
• Resume
  • If you do not have any previous work history, please mention any work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities you have performed or participated in.
• Letter of Recommendation:
  • At least one letter of recommendation; please submit a maximum of two.

Compensation

• Undergraduate Interns: $13 an hour
• Graduate Interns: $14 an hour

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk, utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of at least three feet for file and materials storage as appropriate for the demands of the office. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.
• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate.
• If the intern’s personal equipment is used, the museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on devices.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. Crystal Bridges requires all employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, or meet Arkansas state requirements, subject to accommodations. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.