Collections Intern

HILLWOOD MUSEUM • Washington, DC

15d • $0 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Collections Intern to support a cross-departmental initiative focused on improving how collection object locations are documented and communicated throughout the museum. This internship offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with Collections, Volunteer Engagement, Interpretation, and People & Culture while gaining hands-on experience with collections management, research, project planning, and process improvement. The intern will evaluate current practices, analyze existing documentation, and develop a sustainable resource that supports staff and volunteers in accurately locating collection objects displayed throughout the mansion.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple project components simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Has completed undergraduate coursework and is currently enrolled in, or has recently completed, a graduate degree program.
• Availability to work up to 24 hours per week.
• Available to work on Mondays.

Nice To Haves

• Interested in learning about decorative arts, museum collections, and the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
• Familiarity with project management software is preferred.
• Experience with The Museum System (TMS) or a similar collections management system is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with Collections and Volunteer Engagement staff to understand current practices for tracking and communicating the locations of collection objects.
• Review available location data within The Museum System (TMS) to understand how information is captured, maintained, and updated.
• Interview key stakeholders to understand how object movements are initiated, documented, and communicated between departments.
• Develop a project timeline with key milestones using project management software such as Microsoft Planner or Monday.com.
• Become familiar with Hillwood's collections management processes and the current mansion resource binder.
• Evaluate existing practices to identify gaps between object movement, database records, and the mansion resource binder.
• Assess the feasibility of generating reliable location reports using existing collections management systems.
• Analyze current workflows and recommend improvements that support accurate and consistent documentation of collection locations.
• Develop recommendations for a sustainable process to maintain the resource with minimal staff burden.
• Update the mansion resource binder using the most accurate and complete location data available.
• Organize information in a clear, user-friendly format that supports staff and volunteer wayfinding throughout the mansion.
• Recommend a long-term maintenance process and update schedule for the resource.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and completed deliverables to project stakeholders.

Benefits

• A fabulous work culture that inspires your best work.
• Support for career development with internal and external learning opportunities.
• Mental wellness support.
• Discounts in the Museum Shop and Merriweather Café.
• Free admission to the museum and festival days.
• Casual Monday.
• Free on-site parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern