Spring Internships in DC | Wolf Trap
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Spring Internships

Wolf Trap Internship;

Spring 2025 interns must be physically located in and have a local address in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia during the duration of their internship.

Interns are required to be onsite for the majority of their workweek. Ideally, onsite days should align with the Foundation’s hybrid schedule which currently requires all staff to be onsite on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If interns cannot be onsite on these days, an onsite schedule should be discussed during the interview process.

Hired interns will be provided a laptop and necessary software for the expected duration of their assignment.

Applications will not be considered after December 1. To apply, click the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the position description. If applying for more than one internship, you must submit separate applications for each position.

You must complete the entire online application within three days to be considered for an internship.

  • Cover letter with brief personal statement and outline of career goals.
  • Resume listing relevant courses, previous experience, and special skills. No transcripts please.
  • Writing sample (no more than 3 pages; not required for Graphic Design). Example can be something you’ve already written for a previous class or assignment.
  • 3 design samples (required for Graphic Design applicants only).
For questions or concerns, please email internships@wolftrap.org.

AVAILABLE INTERNSHIPS:

Communications & Marketing Development

Human Resources, Benefits & Employee Relations
Opera Artistic Administration
Production & Sound
Ticket Services

Audience Development & Marketing

Learn the ins and outs of audience development and marketing for a nonprofit arts organization in a diverse role that helps develop community partnerships to drive ticket sales and attendance, while assisting in promotions, events, and more. You will assist with the grassroots efforts and implementation of advertising outreach including embassy outreach, calendar brochure direct mail pieces, and more.

  • Assist with grassroots marketing efforts to drive ticket sales: flyer distribution, promotions, etc.
  • Assist summer brochure distribution campaign
  • Research areas for expanding exposure to targeted audiences
  • Assist with planning and implementation of promotional events
  • Other duties as assigned
     
Requirements
  • Creativity, initiative, organization, and strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work both independently and in team environments
  • Strong research and spreadsheet skills
  • Demonstrated strategic and critical thinking skills
  • Working knowledge of the Washington DC media market and understanding of the performing arts patron a plus
  • Marketing students (or related area of study) preferred
     

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Graphic Design

Work on a wide range of creative projects in this exciting, fast-paced environment. Receive hands-on professional experience and mentorship while enhancing your design portfolio! As an integral part of Wolf Trap’s creative team, you will design signage, program magazine layouts, invitations, print/Web ads, and more.

  • Juggle several projects simultaneously and learn how to build production schedules and meet deadlines
  • Prepare work for prepress, review proofs, and communicate with printers
     
Requirements
  • Talented graphic design students with an interest in performing arts or music preferred
  • Strong technical skills in Adobe creative suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) on Mac plat-form
  • Strong understanding and appreciation for typography
  • Motion graphic skills a plus
  • Strong proofreading skills
  • Must be detail-oriented
  • Minimum of three portfolio samples showing type and layout skills required
     

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Marketing

Learn the ins and outs of marketing for a nonprofit arts organization in a diverse role that helps drive ticket sales and attendance while assisting in promotions, events, and more. You will assist with the creation and implementation of marketing campaigns ranging from digital advertising, out of home, radio, grassroots outreach, direct mail pieces, email marketing and more.

  • Gather marketing assets from artist management to help support summer season announcements and on sales
  • List shows on external website calendars to increase exposure of Wolf Trap's summer season
  • Request, gather and traffic campaign deliverables for multi-channel marketing campaigns
  • Generate targeted email lists through customer relationship management software to support marketing campaigns
  • Assist with audience development tactics including grassroots efforts and research, brochure distribution, and other tasks as needed to drive ticket sales
  • Occasional involvement with Wolf Trap promotional events 
  • Other duties as assigned  
Requirements
  • Creativity, initiative, organization, and strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work both independently and in team environments
  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Demonstrates strategic and critical thinking skills
  • Working knowledge of the Washington DC media market and understanding of the performing arts patron a plus
  • Marketing students (or related area of study) preferred
     

APPLY NOW

Publications

The Publications Intern will support the Communications & Marketing team by writing, editing, and reviewing copy for Wolf Trap’s print and online platforms. Through strategic and creative storytelling, this intern will help support Wolf Trap’s institutional marketing goals, and enhance the Wolf Trap experience for thousands of concert-goers!

  • Assist with collecting, editing, and proofreading artist biography information for print and digital publications
  • Research, write, and edit feature content pieces for program books, Wolf Trap’s All Access blog, and other public communications
  • Provide support for creating print/digital program books and coordinating publication review processes
  • Contribute to brainstorming content ideas that tell Wolf Trap’s story to our various communities and audiences
     
Requirements
  • A strong, creative writer with an interest in the performing arts
  • Copyediting skills and a sharp attention to detail
  • Excellent skills in research and organization
  • Familiarity with AP Style and WordPress is preferred
  • Communications, public relations, and journalism majors are preferred, however, great writing samples will make you stand out no matter your focus
     

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Corporate & Foundation Relations

Join the Wolf Trap Corporate and Foundation Relations team to advance support of our mission-based programs! Gain hands-on experience by building a prospect pipeline of potential funders, helping to steward existing partnerships, and supporting the entire grant cycle from research and qualification to proposal submission and reporting. 

  • Identify, track, and report on prospective Foundation, Government, and Corporate donors through research and pipeline development
  • Assist with institutional donor solicitations and reporting by providing key support throughout the entire grant cycle (i.e., research, proposal development, award management, and reporting)
  • Interact with institutional donors and assist with questions regarding benefits and programs, delivering top-notch customer service
  • Support the development of Summer Season presale materials, data updates, and ongoing partner stewardship in advance of Wolf Trap’s 2025 Summer Season
  • Utilize databases such as Raiser's Edge to track grant opportunities, submissions, and reporting requirements while maintaining up-to-date gift and contact records
  • Experience institutional partner cultivation through partner meetings and calls
  • Assist with execution of cultivation and stewardship events, including classroom site visits and donor meetings
     
Requirements
  • Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), and experience with Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary
  • Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask
  • Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative
     

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Fundraising & Donor Relations

Be an integral part of Wolf Trap’s fundraising department, working closely with the major gift and planned giving teams. You will participate in stewardship and cultivation events, assist with major gift solicitation strategy, and execution of personalized donor stewardship.  

  • Manage donor and prospect information in donor database
  • Process mailed and online donations
  • Prepare gift receipts and acknowledgements 
  • Field and respond to donor phone calls, emails, and inquiries
  • Assist with member benefits activation
  • Produce content for member and donor e-newsletters, My Wolf Trap, Wolf Trap’s members-only website, and other donor-facing communications
  • Assist with filing and other special projects as needed
     

Requirements

  • Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), experience with Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary
  • Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask
  • Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative

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Special Events & Event Rentals

Work behind the scenes with the Special Events team, assisting with the daily planning, logistics, coordination, and execution of Wolf Trap’s major fundraising events that help raise over $2 million annually. You will also join in on the excitement of planning and coordinating member events and rentals at Wolf Trap’s many unique facilities.

  • Coordinate set-up and on-site registration at events
  • Assist with event invitation and RSVP process by managing information in the donor database
  • Execute membership fulfillment and cultivation events
  • Manage logistics for Facility Rentals projects and events
  • Interact with donors, prospects, and board members on the phone, through email, and on-site at events
  • Other projects include industry research, vendor outreach, organizing and managing event supplies, and assist in areas such as sponsorships/development and marketing. 

Requirements

  • Strong computer skills (MS Word and Excel), experience with Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary
  • Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Efficient organizational skills and ability to multitask with superb attention to detail
  • Exceptional customer service skills, creativity, and initiative 
     
     

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Human Resources, Benefits & Employee Relations

The Human Resources, Benefits & Employee Relations intern will work closely with the Human Resource Generalist and the Senior Director, Human Resources to support a diverse range of Human Resources and Benefits activities for approximately 100 employees and 550 seasonal/variable staff. Responsibilities may include assignments and special projects such as:

  • Provide administrative support including employee records management, filing and archiving
  • Background check administration
  • Assist with orientations, onboarding process, policy development and staff event planning
  • Participate in evaluation of current Human Resources processes and implementation of improvements to streamline and gain efficiency
  • Assist with benefit plan renewals and Open Enrollment
  • Make recommendations and updates to the staff intranet
  • Draft standard position description language; update position description templates and for-mat existing position descriptions
  • Research and analyze best practices in Human Resources; assess current or proposed pro-grams and initiatives against best practices; recommend and develop new programs to meet departmental objectives
     
Requirements
  • Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information
  • Strong work ethic, positive attitude and professional demeanor
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational, customer service and project management skills
  • Course of study or prior internship experience in Human Resources preferred
     

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Opera Artistic Administration

Assist Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming in the daily operations of the department, which includes:

  • Tracking Artist and Creative Staff Housing
  • Liaising with artists to prepare for the summer season
  • Aid in the financial preparations for summer contractors
     
Requirements
  • Interest in pursuing a career in opera or classical music administration
  • Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Publisher)
  • Strong organizational & communication skills
  • Previous experience with a performing arts organization strongly recommended
     

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Production & Sound

Assist with stage set up, load-in, hospitality, sound, and lighting for performances ranging from chamber music to rock and roll.

Requirements
  • Prior university level concert production experience, especially with an interest in sound reinforcement.
  • Ability to lift heavy items and work an evening and weekend schedule.
     

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Ticket Services

Assist with ticket operations for upcoming performances, which helps increase Wolf Traps exposure and reputation. Handle requests, and assist with performances at The Barns at Wolf Trap. Applicants should be personable as they will interact directly with patrons, group leaders, and donors:

  • Provide relevant ticket information to internal and external customers
  • Financial reconciliation and reporting
  • Learn ProVenue ticketing system and relevant ticketing reports
  • Assist with creating statements for The Barns at Wolf Trap
  • Assist with running lists for welcome emails and marketing lists for The Barns
Requirements
  • Strong customer service skills, business writing, creativity, and initiative
  • Outstanding writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Attention to detail
  • Enthusiasm and initiative

APPLY NOW