Communications Intern

Honolulu Academy of Arts•Honolulu, HI

4d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Intern for the Spring 2026 cohort for the Ipu Kāʻeo Internship program will focus on Public Relations. The goal for this program is to offer opportunities for local talent to obtain valuable work experience within Hawai‘i.   Under the guidance of the Communications team, including close mentorship from the Public Relations and Communications Senior Manager and exposure to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Communications Intern supports storytelling, media outreach, and content development that elevate the visibility and reputation of the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA). This internship offers hands-on experience across public relations, writing, digital communications, and audience engagement in a museum environment rooted in community, culture, and place. The intern will contribute to real projects and campaigns while gaining exposure to media relations, press release development, and story pitching. Working closely with the Communications team, the intern will learn how strategic outreach to journalists and media partners helps amplify exhibitions, programs, events, and institutional priorities. This is a 9-week position from March 16, 2026 to May 15,2026 The Honolulu Museum of Art: Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

Requirements

Current enrollment or interest in or recent completion of a Bachelor’s degree program in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, Art History, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Interest in public relations, media, storytelling, or communications strategy.
Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective;a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.

Responsibilities

Observe and learn best practices for pitching stories, following up with media, and evaluating coverage impact.
Support the drafting and editing of written content such as blog posts, email copy, social captions, and talking points.
Help gather content and background research for exhibitions, programs, events, and institutional initiatives.
Assist with digital storytelling efforts across web, email, and social platforms.
Collaborate with colleagues across departments to help share stories that reflect HoMA’s mission, values, and community impact.
Provide logistical and on-site support for press previews, media visits, and select public events, as schedules allow.
Contribute ideas and perspectives as part of a collaborative communications team.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Communications department.
Assist with media relations support, including compiling and maintaining press lists, tracking coverage, and organizing press materials
Assist with drafting and refining media pitches and press releases for exhibitions, programs, and institutional initiatives
Support outreach to local and national media
Support documentation and reporting of communications efforts, including media monitoring and basic metrics tracking