Humanities in Place Program Intern

Position description

Mellon Foundation (Mellon) is a not-for-profit, grantmaking organization that believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through its grants, Mellon seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Mellon makes grants in four core program areas: Higher Learning, Arts and Culture, Public Knowledge, and Humanities in Place. Mellon seeks a Program Intern to provide support for the Humanities in Place program area. The internship has a start date in June 2025 and is available as a 10-week, full-time position. This is a hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment, and work in August is entirely remote. 

Summary

Reporting to the Program Director and working with the full team, the Program Intern will support the Humanities in Place program. The Intern will provide a wide range of administrative, organizational, and research support. This internship is ideal for an undergraduate student seeking an opportunity to gain exposure to and experience with place-based cultural heritage, built environment, and humanities projects and initiatives, as well as foundation operations, generally. The Intern will also have the opportunity to learn within a cohort of interns across a variety of the Foundation’s departments. 

Position Description

The Intern will pursue an independent project related to forthcoming geographic and/or thematic priorities for the Humanities in Place program, to be determined in alignment with the Intern’s interests and professional goals. Additional responsibilities may include and are not limited to the following: 

• Work independently and with the team to compile data and conduct research in connection with program grantmaking and initiatives
• Review and research grant inquiries for discussion with the Humanities in Place team
• Assist with the preparation of briefing materials, reports, and presentations, as assigned
• Assist with sourcing, drafting, and editing content, including memos, talking points, and email 
• Assist with the development and coordination of Humanities in Place events
• Assist with general office and grant-related work, such as electronic filing, preparing correspondence, responding to requests for information, scheduling, etc.
• Reconcile/organize Humanities in Place archival documents in the data storage system
• Assist the Humanities in Place team with grant reports

 

Qualifications

• Strong interest in the arts and humanities, the built environment and urbanism, heritage and culture, and social justice in a nonprofit setting 
• Proven ability to take direction but also to work with minimal direct supervision and manage multiple projects while being a committed team player
• Some nonprofit experience preferred, with demonstrated ability to anticipate next steps, take initiative, exercise discretion, and apply sound judgment
• Willingness to learn from mistakes, and to approach the work with curiosity and integrity
• Must be flexible, highly organized, and have a proven ability to juggle multiple and competing tasks and demands with impeccable follow-up and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills with precise attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, familiarity with various web-based platforms, and the ability to learn new applications quickly
• Ability to be highly productive working independently and as a member of a team
• Adobe Creative Suite design and GIS mapping skills are a plus  

Mellon Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Mellon offers a generous total reward package that includes base salary and a comprehensive benefits program, as well as an excellent working environment. Mellon is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated salary range for this role is $27.00 - $30.00 per hour. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation’s internal pay equity framework. 

The Mellon Foundation is committed to access and inclusion for our applicants. If you have accessibility requests to support your participation in the hiring process, please let us know at your earliest convenience.

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days per week in person at the Foundation’s Manhattan offices.

Candidates should apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter describing fit for the position and areas of interest related to the Humanities in Place program, such as subjects, geographies, themes, or demographics that would be exciting to explore further, by Thursday, February 13, 2025. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application instructions

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