INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Public Programs Intern

CompanyThe Phillips Collection
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJune 5, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will assist in developing and implementing innovative public programs to engage visitors with the museum's collections. Responsibilities include administrative support, event logistics, and coordinating with staff and participants to ensure smooth operations.
Internship Type
intern
Company Size
195
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
Encounter superb works of modern and contemporary art at The Phillips Collection, an internationally recognized museum in Washington's vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood. Paintings by Renoir and Rothko, Bonnard and O'Keeffe, van Gogh and Diebenkorn are among the many stunning impressionist and modern works that fill the museum's distinctive building, which combines extensive new galleries with the family home of its founder, Duncan Phillips. The collection continues to develop with selective new acquisitions, many by contemporary artists. Special exhibitions and frequent changes in the arrangement of the permanent collection mean that there's something new on every visit to the Phillips. The museum's Center for the Study of Modern Art offers stimulating Conversations with Artists, symposia, lectures, and more, while Sunday Concerts, Phillips after 5 programs, and other events provide additional food for thought. The museum also produces a vigorous, award-winning program of educational outreach that serves more than 6,000 students and teachers a year and indirectly reaches many tens of thousands more. The Phillips Collection opened to the public in 1921 and is America's first museum of modern art. It is a private institution that is not a part of the federal government. It relies for support on admission and program fees, endowment income, and generous assistance from individual donors, corporations, foundations, and others.
About the Role

OVERVIEW

The Phillips Collection's Internship program is open to full-time junior and senior undergraduate students, full-time graduate students, and recent graduates. The purpose of the internship program is to offer students and recent graduates meaningful work, educational experiences, and real-life practice in their fields of academic study and/or interest.

The Public Programming Intern will assist the public programming department with developing programs to welcome and engage visitors. The Public Programming Intern at The Phillips Collection will help to develop and implement innovative public programs that explore The Phillips Collection’s special exhibitions and permanent collection.

Duration: Internships tend to run ten to fifteen continuous weeks at 12-20 hours per week. Internship length and schedule may vary depending on the needs of the department. This internship will run from September 7-December 11, 2026. This intern will work directly the Public Programs Coordinator. This is a hybrid position, with interns expected to work at least two days onsite.  

Academic Credit: Depending on the nature of the internship and approval of the student's college or university, academic credit may be granted for internships. Student applicants should consult their academic advisor for additional information.

Please submit a résumé, letter of interest, letter of recommendation, and complete transcripts.

Responsibilities 

  • Assist with public programs—including Phillips after 5, the Living Room Series, Art & Wellness Club, film screenings, lectures, and performances. (Must be available Thursday evenings and Fridays.)
  • Assist with work between 21st Street and THEARC, with advance notice provided.
  • Support the Public Programs Coordinator with administrative tasks such as communications, speaker travel and accommodations, registration, vendor logistics, and program budgets.
  • Work with museum staff, program participants, and visitors on the day of events to ensure smooth operations.
  • Complete data entry and maintain records for Public Programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Open to junior and senior undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates.
  • Ability to travel around Washington, D.C. 
  • Strong organizational and computer abilities; proficiency in several computer programs and basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is preferred.
  • Interest in museums and modern/contemporary art is ideal.
  • Comfort in interacting with the public.

The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer and administers all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.


Key Skills
Program DevelopmentAdministrative SupportEvent CoordinationData EntryHTMLCSSPublic InteractionOrganizationBudgetingVendor Logistics
Categories
Art & DesignCreative & MediaAdministrativeEducationGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Academic Credit