Graham Foundation Operations Intern - Odyssey Metcalf
This internship is part of the University’s Odyssey Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Please review to learn more about program requirements for Metcalf interns.
Fellowship Award Amount: up to $1,300
Internship Time Commitment: Fall Quarter (with possibility to extend) 6-8 hours per week
Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.
If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.
Graham Foundation Internship
Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. The Graham realizes this vision through making project-based grants to individuals and organizations and producing exhibitions, events, and publications.
As the largest private funder in the field of architecture in the country, the Graham makes grants nationally and internationally to support books, exhibitions, installations, film/video/new media projects, as well as individual research projects. At the Madlener House—a turn-of-the-century Prairie-style mansion located in the historic Gold Coast that has served as headquarters since 1963—the Graham Foundation produces exhibitions and public programs related to what is on view in addition to programs highlighting grantee projects that engage contemporary work and issues in architecture. It also houses the Graham Foundation bookshop, that features a selection of publications from an international roster of publishers, as well as an extensive collection of local and international periodicals on architecture, urbanism, art, and related fields.
The Graham Foundation seeks an intern to work closely with the Foundation's staff to support the organization's daily operations. This internship is suited for students in architecture, architecture history and theory, art history, or related fields. An interest in a career at a foundation, nonprofit, or arts and cultural institution is preferred. Internships are intended to expand knowledge of operations at a nonprofit arts and cultural institution, which can include grantmaking, the production of exhibitions and public programs, archiving, and visitor services.
Depending on a candidate’s skills and interests, responsibilities may include:
• Assisting with daily operation of current exhibition and bookshop
• Providing the first point of contact for visitors during gallery hours; supporting visitor services during occasional day, evening, and events
• Answering questions related to the Graham Foundation’s exhibitions, public programs, bookshop, grantmaking, history, landmark historic building, and identity
• Processing, describing, and rehousing archival files from the Graham’s 60+ year history
• Compiling, researching, and filing material related to grantees
• Contributing to the Foundation’s web and social media presence
• Helping maintain the Foundation’s mailing lists and directory profiles
Candidates with a knowledge of or interest in the field of architecture, art history, humanities, or
related fields are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate may have:
• An interest in the work of foundations, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, libraries, or archives
• Outstanding attention to detail, ability to do careful, self-verified work, and precise data entry
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple and diverse tasks
• Initiative and ability to work independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including interpersonal and public speaking skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and general experience working in databases
• Humor, kindness, and the ability to accept and manage feedback
• Proficiency with social media and close familiarity with the tools and the landscape of internet culture
Note: As a landmark, historic building, the Madlener House has limited accessibility and some
floors are accessible only by stairs.
Work schedule: 2 days per week; preferred days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday,
between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Apply through Handshake by submitting a resume and cover letter
For more information on the Graham Foundation, visit: grahamfoundation.org. No calls, please.