People & Operations Internship

Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity (May - August)

About the Position

The Public Gardens People & Operations Internship at Mt. Cuba Center offers a unique opportunity for college students to gain comprehensive exposure to public garden operations through immersive experiences across key departments. Based primarily within Human Resources, the intern will develop a holistic understanding of how various operational departments collaborate to fulfill Mt. Cuba Center's mission.

Through rotational experiences across HR, Marketing & Communications, Philanthropy, Education, Programs and Events and other Operations departments, the intern will gain invaluable insight into the complexities of public garden management and leadership while contributing to meaningful departmental projects, including leading a few of their own.

Throughout the core 15 weeks of the internship, interns collaborate closely with fellow Mt. Cuba Center interns across various departments, creating a cohesive learning community. The internship program includes social events, group activities, and field trips to other public gardens where interns connect with peers from partner institutions and gain a broader perspective on the public gardens field. Interns are fully immersed in Mt. Cuba Center's culture through participation in garden-wide activities and events. The internship culminates in a capstone project that interns present to Mt. Cuba Center employees and volunteers, showcasing their learning and contributions to the organization's mission.

Essential Functions of the Role

This internship provides hands-on experience across multiple operational departments at Mt. Cuba Center. The intern will rotate through key administrative and operational areas while contributing to cross-departmental initiatives.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Support HR administrative projects including documentation, filing, and data management
• Assist with internal communications initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Contribute to employee engagement activities and organizational culture projects
• Support recruitment processes including job postings, candidate communication, and interview coordination
• Assist with onboarding documentation and new hire processes
• Help maintain HR information systems and employee records
• Support benefits administration and employee relations activities
• Assist with volunteer management including recruitment, scheduling, recognition, and communication

Through departmental rotations and collaborative projects, the intern will gain exposure to:

• Marketing & Communications campaigns and content development
• Philanthropy operations and donor relations support
• Education program coordination and
• Visitor engagement
• Programs and Events coordination and support

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of college completed
• Current enrollment in Business Administration, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or coursework in one or more of the following areas: human resources, marketing, finance, facilities management, or security operations
• Demonstrated interest in public gardens, museums, or other cultural institutions
• Experience with project coordination or event planning
• Basic understanding of business operations and organizational systems

Learning Outcomes

Interns will develop:

• Understanding of public garden organizational structure and operations
• Project management skills through cross-departmental initiatives
• Professional communication and collaboration abilities
• Experience in HR practices and internal communications
• Marketing and social media management skills
• Knowledge of facilities, security, and finance basics in a public garden context
• Leadership skills through project ownership
• Network of professional contacts across departments
• Understanding of non-profit administration and governance

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation: $17.00 per hour
• Duration: May 18 through August 21, 2026
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday (possibly few evenings or weekend days during the internship for attending events)
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time
• Housing is not provided

Interview & Hiring Process

We require the following in order to consider your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter [required]

If you progress through additional stages in the hiring process you can expect to:

• Complete the online position questionnaire
• Complete a virtual screening interview
• Participate in a final interview with the Hiring Manager and interview panel

Please note: All applications will be reviewed by our team, and all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Due to capacity constraints on our hiring team, we are unable to provide you with a specific status update beyond these parameters.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Application deadline: January 16, 2026
• Application review begins: Week of January 19, 2026
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2026

Commitment to Diversity

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.