McDermott Intern for Interpretation

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Interpretation 

Reports to: Senior Manager of Interpretation 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch; ability to work remotely 2 days per week following 90-day introductory period 

Internship Period: September 1, 2026 - May 28, 2027 

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week

Mission 

The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.  

The DMA will: 

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate. 
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art. 
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity. 

Scope of Internship:   

The intern will assist with the development and production of compelling and engaging interpretive materials in the DMA galleries. Projects may include prototyping and producing content for in-gallery guides and activity stations, digital interactives, or web-based resources. As a member of the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will be exposed to the formulation and planning of exhibitions by assisting with multiple exhibitions in different stages of their development as well as ongoing initiatives in the permanent collection galleries. While assisting with the maintenance and introduction of in-gallery interpretive resources, the intern will become more acquainted with the numerous formats and approaches the DMA uses to engage visitors across ages and backgrounds. In addition to working closely with the Exhibitions and Interpretation team, the intern will have regular opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in other departments including Curatorial and Education.  

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Attend and participate in weekly meetings with their supervisor and regular departmental and cross-department project-based meetings as needed. 
• Collect and record visitor tracking and feedback forms.  
• Review new content (gallery didactics). 
• Research upcoming interpretation projects.  
• Create visitor evaluation resources (digital and/or print documents aimed at documenting visitor observations, research, or exhibition resources). 

Internship Goals: 

• Enhance research skills in art and art history and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the Dallas Museum of Art’s collection. 
• Understand the role of interpretation within an art museum—as a visitor advocate and creative resource for projects originating from curatorial. 
• Understand how prototyping and visitor evaluation can impact interpretive strategies. 
• Gain experience in the editing and revision process for gallery didactics. 
• Gain experience in the creation and implementation of visitor evaluation methods. 
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship. 
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues. 
• Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization. 

Requirements

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in art history, museum studies, the humanities, or a related field. 
• Some experience and/or coursework in journalism, copy-editing, or technical writing is encouraged. 
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred. 
• Research and evaluation experience or interest is preferred. 

Possible internship projects include: 

• The intern may serve as the primary interpretive reviewer and exchange revisions with the Interpretation team and the content author (usually a member of the Curatorial team). This experience is vital to most Interpretation positions at museums and will hone both writing and negotiation skills.
• The intern may develop unfacilitated activities and resources for visitors, such as self-guides, audio tours, and didactic stations. 
• The intern may develop and implement visitor tracking methods for one or more permanent collection galleries or temporary exhibitions. 

Application Directions 

McDermott Internship Program applications must include all of the below items in order to be complete. Please ensure you have reviewed the list below closely and all files are included with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and late materials will not be accepted. If you have any difficulty with the application process or the Paylocity system, please first reach out to internships@dma.org for assistance.  

Upload and attach your resume, personal statement cover letter, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation in your application form, as specified below. If your two references would prefer to submit their letters directly, please direct them to submit the letter of recommendation through the McDermott Internship Recommendation Form. All items must be received no later than March 16, 2026.  

Please save the files with your last name and document type in the title: e.g. Smith_Cover Letter_Position Title_2026.  

Resume or CV  

Submit in application under Select Resume to Upload  

Personal Statement Cover Letter  

A detailed one-to-two-page cover letter explaining your interest in an art museum career. Include information regarding your personal learning expectations for the internship; any prior museum experience; and any art and art history related experience, especially as it relates to the specific position.  

Submit in application under Upload Cover Letter  

Writing Sample  

An excerpt of no more than one page of text that provides an example of your writing within an academic context.  

Submit in application under Upload Additional Files  

Two Letters of Recommendation  

Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic reference. Please list these individuals in the reference list of the application. Only two references are required in the form.  

Submit in application under Upload Additional Files or Direct your references to upload through this link: 2026 DMA McDermott Internships: Letter of Recommendation Form  

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical. 
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong. 
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives. 
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven. 
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals. 
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge. 
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Equity 

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all. 

Diversity 

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity. 

Inclusion 

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture. 

EOE 

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.