2027 Donor and Museum Relations Summer Intern

About the role

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

About the role

• Intern Position Title: 2027 Summer Donor and Museum Relations Intern
• Division: Advancement
• Department: Donor and Museum Relations (DMR)
• Intern Supervisor: Donor and Museum Relations Manager
• Intern Classification: High School Graduate
• Date Reviewed: June 30, 2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where the community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary

The Donor and Museum Relations intern position with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary is an integral part of the Donor Relations and Advancement teams. A donor-centered team, the Development and Donor Relation teams are focused on establishing long-term sustainable funding for significant Museum initiatives. Reporting to the Donor and Museum Relations Manager, this role helps deliver elevated engagement experiences by supporting departmental activities including hospitality, event execution, scheduling, communications and concierge-level services.

This internship takes place during an especially exciting time, as the Museum prepares to open its major campus expansion and host a landmark gala and several days of celebratory events. Interns will gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced planning and execution of high-profile donor engagements and public programs that mark a significant moment in the institution's history.

The Intern will play a central role in learning, organizing and maintaining donor-focused processes including preparing donor-facing materials, and supporting donor tours, travel and event logistics.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with DMR and development team to coordinate detailed itineraries for high level guests ensuring our community-facing events reflect museum standards.
• Support high-profile donor events: Help coordinate events including drafting internal briefing documents, managing RSVP lists and providing support at events.
• Assist in coordinating donor tours by creating itineraries and briefing documents.
• Update and learn Crystal Bridges' CRM database system, Tessitura
• Assist in the development of mailings lists.
• Create invitations and other materials through Paperless Post, Canva, etc.
• Support travel program by researching sites, creating related materials including biographies, maps, schedules, etc.
• Attend and support events such as Directors Receptions, Momentary Music on the Green Concerts and others as assigned.
• Support other donor stewardship activities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and implement donor-centric stewardship and cultivation strategies.
• Willingness to learn event management and supporting organizational strategies
• College Student at sophomore level or above preferred but not required.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience in performing administrative work preferred
• Dependable, punctual and ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule
• Must have strong writing and editing skills
• Confidence interacting with staff and donors at a variety of levels
• High level of professionalism and discretion are a must
• A background check is required

Timeline

• Anticipated Start Date: May 31, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: July 23, 2027

Schedule

• Hours: Interns are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week.
• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

Additional information

To qualify for bachelor's or master's hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the last three years. Students will be required to submit a current schedule or official transcript.

Compensation

• Undergraduate Students: $13.00
• Graduate Students: $14.00

Required Documents

Applicants who wish to be considered for this internship position must adhere to the stated application requirements. A complete application must include both a cover letter and a resume.

Cover Letter

Please consider the following questions when writing your cover letter.

• What interests you most about this internship, and what do you hope to learn?
• Tell us about a time you balanced multiple priorities or collaborated with others to accomplish a goal or describe any skills or experience you have that would serve you well in this position.
• What unique perspective, skill, or experience would you bring to our team?

Housing

Housing for internship positions is contingent upon the availability of funding and is not guaranteed. Internships that include housing will explicitly state this in both the position title and the position description. Any housing and/or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will be reflected on the intern's Form W-2. When housing is available, only students whose primary residence is more than 150 miles or three hours from either Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary will be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk, utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of at least three feet for file and materials storage as appropriate for the demands of the office. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.
• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate.

Additional information

If the intern's personal equipment is used, the museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on devices.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.