Foundation & Government Relations Undergraduate Intern

Museum of Fine Arts • Boston, MA

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Development department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is responsible for fundraising and building lasting relationships with the Museum’s diverse constituents. Foundations and Government Relations is a team within Development that focuses on building support from foundation and government sources, especially through grants. The three members of the team are responsible for an expanding portfolio of exhibition, education, and operational support, and work with colleagues across the Museum to articulate project-specific and institutional narratives, which connect grant proposals and reports with the MFA’s strategy and priorities.

The Foundation and Government Relations team is seeking an undergraduate-level intern to assist with research, planning, and operational support. The intern will report to the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Working together with the three members of the team, the intern will complete a major prospect research project, with the opportunity to assist with further projects as time allows: creating prospects lists and briefings for upcoming MFA exhibitions and other institutional funding priorities.

The internship will focus on providing experience in Foundation prospect research, data management, and operational planning. The intern will gain an in-depth understanding of the field of philanthropic foundations and how they intersect with Museum work. The intern will also gain experience using a Customer Relationship Management database (Tessitura) and conducting research using online professional resources such as Foundation Directory.

Ideal candidates must be able to work onsite 4 days weekly, 10am-5pm, Monday through Thursday between June 15 and August 22. Some remote work may be possible throughout the summer in consultation with the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Additionally, interns must join in the undergraduate 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, August 6, August 13, and August 20.

The selected 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 (under)graduate program immediately following the internship period.
• Demonstrated interest in learning more about the MFA and contributing to the operations of the Development department.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel
• Strong research skills
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Demonstrated excellent written and communication skills.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to commit to 4 days weekly, 10am-5pm, Monday through Thursday between June 15 and August 22. Some remote work may be possible throughout the summer in consultation with the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Additionally, interns must join in the undergraduate 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, August 6, August 13, and August 20.
• Ability to attend orientation on Monday, June 15, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Review Foundation and Government funders of comparable exhibitions and other priority projects at peer institutions; delve into historic files of past Foundation and Government partners of the Museum and available current public information; and compile research to propose future Foundation partners for upcoming MFA projects as well as synthesize findings on select institutional partners into briefing documents for internal staff use.
• Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.
• Organize and draft materials for grant applications, reports, and other correspondence.
• Research current foundation directions, initiatives, and staff to inform future directions for partnership.
• Provide additional support across the Development division as needed.

Benefits

• The selected 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.)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed