Board Relations Undergraduate Intern

Museum of Fine Arts•Boston, MA

10d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

The MFA benefits from a governance structure that provides both governing and philanthropic support, with a bifurcated model consisting of a Board of Trustees and a Board of Advisors in elected, appointed, and honorary roles. The Board of Trustees holds fiduciary responsibility for the Museum, in support of its mission and its long-term survival and prosperity. The Board of Advisors elect the Trustees and ratify the making, amendment, or repeal by the Trustees of any by-laws. Members of the Board of Trustees are traditionally drawn from the Board of Advisors. Trustees and Advisors have a proven record of leadership, coupled with advocacy in the arts, expertise/experience that matches the top priorities and greatest needs of the Museum; and they reflect diverse cultures and communities. The Board Relations Office embraces the opportunity to spark interest in the governance of non-profit organizations. We are seeking an undergraduate level intern to assist with research, planning, and execution around the Board of Advisors and Board of Trustees Annual Meeting held in September. The intern will focus on coordinating accompanying meeting materials, assisting with planning other board enrichment programs, as well as database management. Time will be structured to also enable the intern to learn from current Trustees and Advisors and engage around current governance topics, as well as working closely with Principal Gifts staff and other colleagues from across the Museum. The Board Relations Officer will provide primary supervision and mentorship. Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 14 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between June 15 – Aug 21. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Mon, June 15, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18; June 25; July 2; July 9; July 16; July 23; July 30; Aug 6; Aug 13; and Aug 20. The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy as well as a $1,500 housing subsidy, (paid in two equal payments. (Both subsidies are subject to taxes.) 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.

Requirements

Enrolled in and returning to an undergraduate program immediately following the internship period.
Demonstrated keen interest in museums.
Strong curiosity and interest in learning about governance practices.
Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as comfort to work independently.
Exceptional organizational skills with keen attention to detail
Demonstrated excellent written and communication skills with strong research abilities.
Ability to work onsite 14 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between June 15 and Aug 21. Additionally, interns must attend the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug 6, Aug 13, and Aug 20.
Ability to attend orientation on Mon, June 15, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm.

Responsibilities

Work directly with members of the Board Relations Office and Principal Gifts to ensure substantial first-hand experience in governance and philanthropic work.
Coordinate key aspects of the Annual Meeting and other governance programs.
Undertake research related to topics of interest for governance members.
Draft briefings, memorials, speaking points, and meeting materials.
Update Tessitura database records and plans related to Trustees and Advisors.
Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.