Ford’s Theatre Internships

Ford’s Theatre Internships The Ford’s Theatre Intern Program offers challenging and diverse experiences related to its unique mission as a professional theatre and Lincoln museum/education center. Qualified college students, graduates and young professionals who are actively pursuing careers in related fields are welcomed in semester-long positions in Business/Operations, Development, Education and Community Engagement, Museum Interpretation, Marketing/PR/Publicity and Production and Design. Ford’s Theatre interns will have the opportunity to work closely with Ford’s staff and be entrusted with significant responsibility. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Ford’s Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Please see descriptions below. Start dates and internship lengths may vary by department. To apply, send a cover letter and résumé via email to Jennifer Nelson, jnelson@fords.org. Applications are accepted as follows: Fall Internships (which run September to December): applications are accepted from May through July Winter/Spring Internship (which run January to May): applications are accepted from September through November Summer Internships (which run June to August): applications are accepted from February through April Why intern at Ford’s Theatre? While at Ford’s Theatre interns can: Bridge the gap between collegiate work and professional life by working with some of the best in the business in a challenging, diverse atmosphere. Begin building professional networks with relationships initiated during the internship. These opportunities can lead to future jobs in the theatre, museums, historical societies and education. Take advantage of discussion with Ford’s Theatre staff, guest artists, and other members of the community to broaden their knowledge base and expand understanding of professional theatre and historical museums. All interns must have excellent written and oral verbal proficiency; and demonstrate a strong work ethic, common sense and exemplary interpersonal skills. Ford’s will offer intern positions in the following areas: Finance and Administration: No Summer 2013 Positions Available Administrative/Operations Intern An intern for admin/operations will first and foremost demonstrate attention to detail. She/he must be analytic and have excellent organizational skills and be able to work with a variety of information and data. She/he must be able to handle specific projects in an organized fashion. Background or interest in business management, finance, human resources is required. The position offers the opportunity to learn about financial organization and management, human resources and benefits administration through assisting with regular tasks and the completion of specific projects. Administrative Archives Intern The administrative archives intern will work primarily with the Director’s office. The intern will assist primarily in electronically scanning paper archival documents in order to create a digital archive for the institution, as well as assisting with the meeting preparation for the Board of Trustees as necessary. Facilities - No Summer 2013 Position Available The facilities intern will gain real-life knowledge and experience in facility management, including daily operations, contract management and negotiation, vendor relations, HVAC, electrical, project management, safety regulations, insurance, and evacuation plans. The intern will work closely with the facilities manager who is responsible for managing Ford’s Theatre Society properties and who works with the National Park Service in the management of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site. The successful candidate will be motivated to provide a high degree of customer service to all levels of customers. A preferred candidate would be pursuing a degree in Facilities Management, Operations or a closely related field. Interest in non-profit management, the arts, or history is highly desirable. Candidates are expected to volunteer 24hrs per week for at least 6 months. Desired skills are excellent oral and written communication skills, ability and desire to effectively interact with an array of functional disciplines and departments, and computer literacy. Literary and Casting Intern The Literary and Casting Intern will work closely with the Literary and Casting Director to support Ford’s Theatre’s literary and casting operations. The intern’s duties may include the following: preparing audition materials, assisting in audition coordination; participating in the Literary Committee; maintaining department records; supporting the dramaturgical research process and coordinating other departmental events. The ideal candidate will have fluency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, image editing and video-editing software. Strong writing skills, research know-how, organizational aptitude, excellent communication abilities, flexibility and a sharp eye for detail are essential. Development: No Summer 2013 Positions Available Development Individual-Giving Development interns assist with individual donor fundraising activities. Programs include a national board of advisors, membership, annual giving, direct mail and capital campaign initiatives, among others. The Intern will gain specific experience in individual giving, while acquiring general fundraising knowledge. The intern may be asked to work on the following tasks: research individual prospects using WealthEngine and the internet, writing individual profiles (APRA professional standards); collaborate on creating and assembling marketing collaterals for membership groups; collaborate on writing, editing and/or mailing solicitation and acknowledgment letters; staff development department special events in evenings (where appropriate); write an article to be published in the fall newsletter. The ideal candidate would be available 30 hours a week, computer literate, proficient in excel and database programs and have strong speaking, writing and researching skills. A demonstrated interest in history and/or arts and cultural institutions is preferred. Special Events/Corporate Giving Intern The intern will gain experience in corporate, foundation and government fundraising, participate in special event management, and attain general fundraising knowledge. The intern may be asked to work on the following tasks: use the Foundation Center and Yellow Book to research potential funders; assist in preparing corporate proposals and sponsor fulfillment; schedule meetings with potential corporate partners; collaborate on writing and editing of donor newsletter and other donor materials; collaborate on proposal writing and submission; assist in the day to day organization and planning details of events, including the annual presidential gala weekend, member receptions and cultivation events. The ideal candidate would be available 30 hours per week, be computer literate and proficient in Excel and Word and demonstrate strong speaking, writing and researching skills. A demonstrated interest in history and/or arts and cultural institutions is preferred. Education - Fall 2013 Position Available Education interns may work on projects focusing on theatrical enrichment; teacher and school programs or interpretive programs with visitors and students. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, including some experience writing for a public audience. Experience in customer or visitor services or work in a youth-oriented environment is preferred. Comfort with technology is a must. Marketing/Public Relations - Fall 2013 Position Available The marketing/ public relations intern will work in the daily operations of the Marketing and Communications Department. The intern may assist in audience development strategies, group sales, press relations, publications, social media and special seasonal projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must. For fall 2013, the marketing internship will focus on The Lincoln Legacy Project. In addition to the previously mentioned responsibilities, the fall intern will also live tweet and blog the events of The Lincoln Legacy Project. Evening availability is required.