INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Prospect Strategy & Research Corporate Fundraising Intern

CompanyMuseum of Fine Arts
LocationBoston
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 14, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will conduct in-depth research to identify and evaluate prospective corporate partners and maintain donor database records to support the fundraising pipeline. They will also assist in developing outreach strategies and attend partner meetings to gain exposure to corporate relationship management.
Internship Type
temporary hourly
Company Size
980
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art. Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors. Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.
About the Role

The Prospect Strategy & Research Fundraising Intern at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston will be part of the External Relations team, which is responsible for marketing, PR, communications, fundraising and most importantly building lasting relationships with the Museum’s diverse constituents. The role will fall more specifically within the Marketing and Communications team, which oversees fundraising for Corporate Relations. We seek an enthusiastic intern to assist with projects that contribute to the corporate partnerships pipeline and develop a strong portfolio of prospects we can approach for support. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Corporate Relations and the Program Manager for Corporate Partners, the intern will conduct in-depth research to identify and evaluate prospective corporate partners, assess alignment with institutional priorities, and inform cultivation strategies. The intern will also maintain and analyze donor database records to support pipeline development and track engagement. The intern will attend prospect meetings and current partner touch-bases with the team in order to get exposure to external communication meetings. The intern will present their findings in-person on a monthly basis. 

By the end of the internship, the intern should have a comprehensive written portfolio of high-potential corporate prospects informed by in-depth industry research, along with a strategic plan outlining targeted outreach and solicitation efforts. They will gain experience in prospect identification, qualification, and pipeline development. They will also have hands-on experience utilizing donor databases and research tools, along with the ability to translate insights into actionable and organized outreach strategies. 

The ideal candidates must be able to work onsite 20 hours per week including some hours after 5 PM and attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, and Dec 4. 

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings. 

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct in-depth research to identify, evaluate, and profile prospective corporate partners, assessing alignment with institutional priorities and informing cultivation strategies.
  • Maintain and analyze donor database records to support corporate fundraising pipeline development, track engagement, and ensure data accuracy.
  • Utilize research tools and databases to support prospect identification, qualification, and strategic outreach planning.
  • Assist in developing organized and actionable outreach and solicitation strategies based on research insights.
  • Prepare materials and briefings to support corporate relations activities and prospect engagement.
  • Attend prospect meetings and current partner touchpoints to gain exposure to external communications and corporate relationship management.
  • Contribute to the development of a comprehensive portfolio of high-potential corporate prospects, including written profiles and strategic engagement plans.
  • Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.

Secondary Functions:

  • Aid with onsite Museum events such as exhibition openings and Corporate networking events as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate program concurrent with the internship period (a Junior or above preferred)
  • Deep interest in learning more about the Museum of Fine Arts and contributing to the operations of the marketing department.
  • Experience with and/or interest in institutional fundraising and arts administration
  • Demonstrable research and project management experience
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
  • Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as comfort to work independently.
  •  Ability to work onsite 20 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, including some hours after 5 PM, between Sept 11 and Dec 11, and attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20, and Dec 4.
  • Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply  

DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.

  1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following:
    1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
    2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
    3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
    4. any periods when you are not available for an interview. 
    5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
  2. SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
  3. Upload the single document as your resume via the application portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before Aug 15, 2026. 
  4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. 
  5. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. 
**Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.
Key Skills
Corporate FundraisingProspect ResearchDonor Database ManagementProject ManagementMicrosoft OfficeStrategic PlanningData AnalysisExternal CommunicationsPipeline DevelopmentMarket ResearchOrganizational SkillsAttention To Detail
Categories
Art & DesignMarketingFinance & AccountingAdministrativeCreative & Media
Benefits
Transportation Subsidy