Events and Development Internship at the Maria Mitchell Association

Maria Mitchell Association•Nantucket, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering a paid summer internship in event planning and development. Interns work with the MMA Administrative team, the Development and Events Director, and the marketing team on development, community relations, donor relations, and special events. The internship offers students and recent graduates hands-on experience with nonprofit event planning and development. Interns also assist with other aspects of the organization’s daily operations, including supporting special programs and events, responding to public inquiries, assisting campus visitors, and working with other departments. The role includes evening and weekend work, and no two consecutive days off are guaranteed. The general schedule is 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional event hours as needed. The internship is paid at $16 per hour and runs from May 31, 2027, to approximately August 27, 2026; the dates may be flexible. The posting also describes dormitory-style housing available for rent, but interns may arrange their own housing and must provide proof of alternative housing before the internship begins.

Requirements

Strong interest in event planning and development in a nonprofit setting.
Experience with multiple forms of social media and e-marketing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Experience with digital photography.
At least two years of college or relevant work experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work in a busy environment.
Willingness and ability to work cooperatively in a team, adapt to change, and take supervisory direction.
Ability to take initiative and work independently without supervision.
Availability to work evenings and weekends for special events.
Valid, current driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Ability to pass a safe-driving test to qualify to drive company vehicles for outbound field trips.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a CRM database.
Knowledge of or proficiency in Canva, Flodesk, and graphic design platforms such as InDesign, Illustrator, and LucidPress.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and implementing annual special events and fundraisers, including organizing supplies, researching event gifts, organizing guest lists, creating invitations, and preparing post-event communications.
Draft and design event collateral, including sponsor, auction, and fundraising posters, signs, and programs.
Solicit and secure business sponsors in person, by phone, or by email for advertising in the Summer Program Calendar and fundraising printed program books.
Assist other MMA departments as needed.
Organize event auctions and bid sheets.
Update the CRM donor database.
Support membership campaigns, including strategy and implementation.
Organize member events and handle post-event follow-up.
Research and draft special giving-day campaigns.
Assist with mailings and with updating, distributing, and placing advertising and collateral materials, bulletin boards, press releases, website content, social media, and other marketing communications.
Liaise with third-party consultants about event timelines and particulars when needed.
Take part in MMA service projects for 1–2 hours per week.
Assist at the front desk during observatory open nights.
Respond to public requests for information, assist campus visitors, and support other day-to-day organizational operations.