Communications Intern

Please provide a communications writing sample with your Communications Intern application.

Job Summary: 

The Communications Intern for the Spring 2026 cohort for the Ipu Kāʻeo Internship program will focus on Public Relations. The goal for this program is to offer opportunities for local talent to obtain valuable work experience within Hawai‘i.   

Under the guidance of the Communications team, including close mentorship from the Public Relations and Communications Senior Manager and exposure to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Communications Intern supports storytelling, media outreach, and content development that elevate the visibility and reputation of the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA). 

This internship offers hands-on experience across public relations, writing, digital communications, and audience engagement in a museum environment rooted in community, culture, and place. The intern will contribute to real projects and campaigns while gaining exposure to media relations, press release development, and story pitching. Working closely with the Communications team, the intern will learn how strategic outreach to journalists and media partners helps amplify exhibitions, programs, events, and institutional priorities. 

This is a 9-week position from March 16, 2026 to May 15,2026 

The Honolulu Museum of Art: 

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.  

To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Current enrollment or interest in or recent completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Art History, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in public relations, media, storytelling, or communications strategy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective;a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.

Key Tasks 

• Observe and learn best practices for pitching stories, following up with media, and evaluating coverage impact.
• Support the drafting and editing of written content such as blog posts, email copy, social captions, and talking points.
• Help gather content and background research for exhibitions, programs, events, and institutional initiatives.
• Assist with digital storytelling efforts across web, email, and social platforms.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to help share stories that reflect HoMA’s mission, values, and community impact.
• Provide logistical and on-site support for press previews, media visits, and select public events, as schedules allow.
• Contribute ideas and perspectives as part of a collaborative communications team.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Communications department.

Public Relations and Communications Intern – Project Summary : Place One Media Story 

• Assist with media relations support, including compiling and maintaining press lists, tracking coverage, and organizing press materials
• Assist with drafting and refining media pitches and press releases for exhibitions, programs, and institutional initiatives
• Support outreach to local and national media 
• Support documentation and reporting of communications efforts, including media monitoring and basic metrics tracking

Ipu Kāʻeo Internship Program – Mandatory Days 

Interns must be available for the following days in participation for the Spring 2026 cohort:  

• HoMA Orientation Week - March 16thto March 20th
• Internship Presentation Showcase Practice – Wednesday, April 29th
• Internship Presentation Showcase – Wednesday, May 6th
• Celebration Lunch & Exit Interview – Friday, May 15th

Compensation 

The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary for this position is $20.00 per hour with a minimum of 10 hours per week, and a maximum of 19 hours per week.  

This opportunity includes a benefits package, including but not limited to: 

• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts.
• Onsite parking provided.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere: 

Work takes place in an office environment. Variable working hours between 10 and 19 hours a week. Ability to operate general office equipment including computers, copiers, printers, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 40 pounds of general office material or equipment. 

The employee must be able to fulfill all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.  

EEOC Statement: 

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record (except as legally applicable), citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is prohibited.  

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.