Development & Communications Internship

The development and communications intern will support the daily operations of both the development and communications departments.

Chinati’s development department, which handles major gifts, capital projects, memberships, grants, and special events, works with visitors and donors to support the foundation and its mission.

Chinati’s communications department is responsible for planning and implementing communications campaigns, both external and internal. This includes social media, email content, printed collateral, press releases, and website copy.

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

Internship Description

This role will involve cross-functional collaboration across the organization. 

Development responsibilities may include: 

  • Assisting with the membership program, including solicitation and renewal outreach, membership cards and materials, and weekly reports.
  • Supporting the development coordinator in filing donor records.
  • Executing direct mailings with the development team including Community Day and Chinati Weekend sponsorship requests, fundraising appeals, director’s letter, and newsletter mailings.
  • Receiving docent training with opportunities to lead museum visitors through the collection, including special sunrise and sunset viewings. Working all special events––from small open studios to the benefit program during Chinati Weekend.

Communications responsibilities may include: 

  • Working closely with the director of communications to maintain the content calendar and organize related materials.
  • Assisting with planning, writing, and editing content across social media, website, email, and print materials in collaboration with corresponding departments.
  • Gathering information from other departments for signage, invitations, event graphics, and external presentations.

Requisite skills and experience

Applicants should be interested in learning about the fundraising process, nonprofit management, and the arts.

Candidates should:

  • Demonstrate self-motivation, organization, creativity, and the ability to  meet deadlines.
  • Express a genuine interest in learning about museum fundraising, communications, administration, and events. 
  • Be highly organized and possess excellent writing and research skills.
  • Have previous knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Mentorship

Interns will receive professional mentorship from Development Coordinator Hannah Lange, Director of Development Malinda Galindo, and Director of Communications Sam Riehl. The mentorship program includes introductions to arts professionals, artists, and organizations; networking and volunteer events; department specific skills days; intern lunches and field trips; and more.

Compensation and housing

Internships last five to six months. Interns are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week at a rate of $15 per hour, provided free housing on the museum grounds, and offered medical benefits. Interns are also provided a bicycle. A personal cell phone is required. If needed, transport to and from the El Paso or Midland/Odessa airports is available.

Apply

Development and communications internships are offered in the spring and fall, from February to July and September to January. Our next internship term will commence in February 2024. To apply, please send a statement of interest, resume, and two writing samples in a single PDF document to internships@chinati.org. Applications open September 1, 2023 and close November 15, 2023.

Individuals from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the arts and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) recipients are encouraged to apply.

Learn More

To learn more about Chinati internships, please click here.

To learn more about Chinati’s comprehensive capital campaign, please click here.