Development Internship

The development office, which also includes membership and special events, works with visitors and donors to support Chinati’s mission. The development department works with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies to support every facet of the museum.

Interns in this department learn about development by assisting with prospecting, working on visitor research and data analysis projects related to visitor and exhibition experiences, and helping with events. The development department looks for interns with an interest in arts administration and some knowledge of development and fundraising.

Chinati staffer Savannah Lust explores the archive's printed materials.
Chinati Development interns

Internship Description

The Chinati development intern:

  • Assists with donor record management using our CRM platform (Raiser’s Edge).
  • Maintains donor correspondence files and records stewardship actions.
  • Prepares donor acknowledgements and membership packages weekly.
  • Prepares and distributes weekly fundraising reports and periodic presentations.
  • Conducts research on potential funders, strategic partners, markets, and industries.
  • Executes direct mailings including Community Day and Chinati Weekend sponsorship requests, annual appeal campaign, director’s letter, and newsletter mailings.
  • Receives docent training with opportunities to lead museum visitors through the collection, including special sunrise and sunset viewings.
  • Works all special events from small open studios to the benefit program during Chinati Weekend.

Requisite skills and experience

  • Applicants should be interested in learning about museum fundraising processes, non-profit administration, and working in the arts.
  • Candidates should demonstrate self-motivation, organization, creativity, and the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Must be highly organized and have excellent writing, research, and computing skills.
  • Have previous knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Database experience is preferred.
  • A personal cell phone is required.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Mentorship

The intern mentorship program includes introductions to arts professionals, artists, and organizations; networking and volunteer events; department specific skills days; intern lunches and field trips. Development interns receive training and professional development from Jen Rowles, development officer, and Malinda Galindo, director of development.

Compensation and housing

The internship term is five to six months, with a work week of approximately 40 hours per week at a rate of $15 per hour. Benefits include free housing on the museum grounds, health insurance, paid time off, and a complimentary bicycle for transportation around town. If needed, transport to and from the El Paso or Midland/Odessa airports is available.

Apply

Internships are primarily intended for, but not limited to, candidates who self-identify as women from racial and cultural backgrounds that are underrepresented in the arts, including individuals of Black, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern/North African, Native American, Latine/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander descent. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) recipients are eligible to apply.

Development internships are offered in the spring, from January to July, and fall, from August to January. Internships are fully scheduled through July 2025. Applications are now open for a fall 2025 internship. To apply, please send a statement of interest, resume, and two writing samples in a single PDF document to internships@chinati.org. Applications close November 15, 2024.

Learn More

To learn more about Chinati internships, please click here.