2023 Summer Arts Management – Scholarship and Events Internship

Arts Managment/Scholarship and Events Development Intern

Who We Are

Penland School of Craft is an international center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 16 teaching studios and 60 historic and contemporary buildings. We are an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 70. Penland operates with a $54 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $7.7 million. We are located about an hour northeast of Asheville, NC.  Our mission supports making lives meaningful through making.

 

Commitment to Equity,  Diversity, and Inclusion

Penland welcomes everyone. Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and other people who identify as people of color or BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply, as are people holding other marginalized identities related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, and class background.

 

We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our mission. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. We want the Penland experience to include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. Penland is committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination. 

Position Summary 

A Penland internship offers a unique opportunity to live and work in a dynamic, creative educational community and work with accomplished professionals in a mutual learning and knowledge-sharing environment. The Penland Arts Management/Development Intern Supporting Scholarships and Events is an important member of the development team who provides administrative support and works closely with professional staff to gain practical work experience in scholarship stewardship and fundraising events that support the school’s mission and programs.  This position allows you a high level of responsibility. You will gain valuable knowledge and experience in auction fundraising, planning and executing events, stewardship strategies, data management, and follow-up procedures. You will report to the development associate for special events and work closely with the data & development coordinator, the development assistant, the special events Intern, and the donor stewardship Intern.

 

This experience begins on May 22 and concludes September 1, 2023 (Start and end dates have some flexibility). 

 

You will receive $200 per week (up to $3000 for the experience), and housing and meals will be provided at no charge to you for the duration of the internship period.  If the dining hall is closed, we will not offer food, but there are kitchen facilities in the housing units. Class and studio access are not provided. Penland will work with individuals seeking educational credit for the internship and meet any college or university requirements. Details can be discussed in the interview process. 

Responsibilities 

  • Leads summer scholarship auctions, including event set up/break-down, execution, and reconciliation. 
  • Responsible for scholarship auction promotion, communication, and volunteer solicitation to instructors and students on campus. ` 
  • Supports the donor stewardship Intern as needed.
  • Supports the special events intern with the Penland Annual Benefit Auction registration process regarding ticket reservations and making follow-up phone calls with patrons.
  • Assists the development associate and data & development coordinator with setting up the online bidding platform.
  • This person will play an integral role in the Annual Benefit Auction on-campus event team.
  • Attend relevant departmental meetings as well as auction planning and training meetings.
  • Supports the development team’s needs as needed with projects, mailings, and events.

Qualifications 

  • Must be highly organized and possess excellent time management and problem-solving skills. 
  • Must be highly self-motivated, task-oriented, and goal-oriented.
  • A high level of emotional maturity, self-confidence, and a sense of humor are required.
  • Must be able to work within deadlines, under pressure, and with a positive attitude at all times.
  • The ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule is required; this job requires some evenings and weekends. 
  • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and a professional manner.
  • Excellent customer service skills are essential; be comfortable making phone calls and in-person communications with patrons, supporters, instructors, and students.
  • Must have a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals.
  • Possess a high level of familiarity and comfort working with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel (essential). Strong command of mail merging is a plus.
  • Experience with development office work is a plus. Please indicate if you have experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge fundraising software or Greater Giving auction software.
  • A demonstrated interest in the arts/arts management is important.
  • Must have current COVID vaccination and boosters or a Penland-approved exemption.

Physical Demands 

This position requires you to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above your head, use fine and gross motor skills, and work on campus. You must have normal visual acuity at a near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word. You must be fluent in English. While performing this job’s duties, you will be regularly required to sit and work at a computer. You will frequently be required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. You may occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds. 

To Apply  

The internship will remain open until filled; however, the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by February 1, 2023. Send a cover letter and resume addressing relevant experience and interest in the internship, personal contact information, and email contact information for at least three references to employment@penland.org.  Please put 2023 Scholarship & Events Internship in the subject of the email.  

We look forward to hearing from you!