McDermott Intern - Access Programs and Resources

Description

Position: McDermott Intern for Access Programs and Resources  

Reports to: Manager of Access Programs and Resources 

Level: Intern 

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly 

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holiday, personal and sick time; $500 for professional development 

Schedule: Generally, Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch (with occasional weekends and evening hours for special events on & off-site); ability to work remotely 2 days per week following introductory period as program schedules allow 

Internship Period: September 2, 2025 - May 8, 2026 

Salary: $15/hour, 35 hours per week 

Deadline: March 17, 2025 

Proposed Job Description:  

As part of the Community Engagement team, the intern will work in collaboration with local organizations to increase equitable access to art in the Dallas community by supporting onsite and offsite programming in a variety of formats. The intern will gain firsthand experience implementing holistic approaches to art education, social-emotional and object-based learning. The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience establishing and cultivating community partner relationships as well as developing and facilitating innovative, multi-modal educational programs for audiences with wide-ranging backgrounds and abilities. The intern will work in-person at the Museum and facilitate programs offsite at partner location sites. Under the guidance of their supervisor, the intern will complete a project which could include developing program curriculum; initiating new community partnerships; and/or researching and compiling museum best practices related to community engagement and accessibility.  

Intern’s Role & Duties: 

Intern activities will include:  

• Support and co-teach programs for visitors of various ages and backgrounds, including neurodiverse learners and individuals with a range of abilities. 
• Prepare program materials and resources. 
• Document and evaluate programs by taking photos, distributing surveys, and inputting evaluation data as needed. 
• Brainstorm, research, and develop lesson plans for community partners and visitors of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities.   
• Attend and participate in team meetings.  
• Support cross-functional initiatives related to program planning and community engaged partnerships. 
• Contribute to and collaborate with the Community Engagement team to achieve departmental and institutional goals. 

Internship Goals: 

• Enhance research skills in art and art history and build an increased knowledge of works of art in the DMA's collection. 
• Learn specific teaching strategies for working with visitors and community members of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. 
• Learn methods for working collaboratively with internal and external colleagues on projects in a museum setting. 
• Learn approaches for writing lesson plans and other teaching resources. 
• Learn how to create, organize, and facilitate educational programs collaboratively with community organizations and residents. 
• Develop an understanding of equitable access to the arts through Universal Design of Learning. 
• Ascertain professional goals and interests through the support of mentorship. 
• Develop professional communication and interpersonal skills through collaboration with Museum colleagues. 
• Understand the roles and functions of different staff within the Museum as well as the relationship between the departments and how they all function together to comprise the organization. 

Requirements

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in art history, art education, studio art or the humanities prior to the start of the internship. 
• Some knowledge or interest in museum accessibility and community engagement. 
• Experience or interest in working with people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities encouraged. 
• Ability to speak fluently in English and Spanish to support communication with visitors and community groups preferred. 
• Strong time management and organizational skills to successfully balance program and office duties. 
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work well in a team environment, take initiative, demonstrate flexibility and problem solve. 
• Comfortable with public speaking in-person and on virtual formats. 
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to secure one) and ability to drive to program sites occasionally as needed. 

Internship Project: 

Possible internship projects could include: 

• Developing, writing, and facilitating new curriculum for Access programming, such as Meaningful Moments, All Access Art, and more in collaboration with education staff, guest artists and partner groups 
• Co-develop new modalities for engaging offsite communities of all abilities (i.e. satellite programs) 
• Research and development of Accessibility best practices for the DMA Education department and conduct related all-staff training. 
• Develop resources or activities for general visitor experiences. 

Application Directions: 

McDermott Internship Program applications must include all of the below items in order to be complete. Please ensure you have reviewed the list below closely and all files are included with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and late materials will not be accepted. If you have any difficulty with the application process or the Paylocity system, please first reach out to internships@dma.org for assistance. 

Upload and attach your resume, personal statement cover letter, and two letters of recommendation in your application form, as specified below. If your two references would prefer to submit their letters directly, please direct them to submit the letter of recommendation through the McDermott Internship Recommendation Form. All items must be received no later than March 17, 2025. 

Please save the files with your last name and document type in the title: e.g. Smith_Cover Letter. 

Resume or CV 

Submit in application under Select Resume to Upload 

Personal Statement Cover Letter 

A detailed one to two page cover letter explaining your interest in an art museum career. Include information regarding your personal learning expectations for the internship; any prior museum or art related experience; and any prior teaching experience, especially as it relates to the specific position. 

Submit in application under Upload Cover Letter 

Two Letters of Recommendation 

Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic reference. Please list these individuals in the reference list of the application. Only two references are required in the application. 

Submit in application under Upload Additional Files 

Our Core Values 

• Act with Integrity: We are honest and ethical. 
• Build Inclusivity: We create spaces where everyone can feel like they belong. 
• Communicate Respectfully: We listen intentionally and advocate for diverse perspectives. 
• Embrace and Drive Change: We are innovative, creative, and solutions driven. 
• Foster Connections: We collaborate around shared goals. 
• Maintain Balance: We encourage ourselves and each other to reflect and recharge. 
• Remain Curious: We pursue personal and professional learning. 

Mission 

• The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive. The DMA will: 
• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate. 
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art. 
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

The Dallas Museum of Art fosters equity, celebrates diversity, and supports inclusion. We acknowledge that diverse backgrounds and voices of visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and communities represented in the collection make us stronger and better equipped to make positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Equity 

Society’s historical legacies and systemic barriers have created disparities in the communities we serve. Knowing this, we strive to expand and enhance arts opportunities for all. 

Diversity 

Many factors—including but not limited to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetics, economic backgrounds, and experiences—make individuals and groups unique. Our goal is to ensure visitors, volunteers, trustees, staff, and collections reflect this diversity. 

Inclusion 

We commit to listening to and learning from diverse voices and perspectives. We create a vibrant and accessible social space that encourages dialogue and the exchange of ideas through arts and culture. 

EOE 

The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Salary : $15