Public Programs Intern

IMPORTANT!!

This internship is part of the 2024 Humanities for Life (HFL) Summer Internship Program. This premier opportunity allows UR students to access traditionally unpaid opportunities that highlight the value of the humanities in the workplace. If selected, students will receive a $5,000 stipend over a minimum 270-hour period in a non-for-profit organization in the Rochester, NY region. 

To learn more and view additional HFL internships, visit: https://careereducation.rochester.edu/experiences/humanities-for-life-internship-program/

The museum’s internship program provides opportunities for participating in all aspects of museum work within dynamic teams and interacting with staff across the institution and the public. The program offers an educational and operational experience, as well as the opportunity to build a network of professional contacts. As one of the country’s largest history museums and one of the leading museums serving families, The Strong places the highest priority on providing outstanding service to its guests. The museum offers programs and activities for individuals of all ages to learn about the power and importance of play in their lives.

The public programs intern interacts with guests of all ages to anticipate and respond quickly and effectively to their questions and concerns, as well as to meet and exceed their expectations to provide an exceptional museum experience and complete assignments in accordance with established team and museum standards. This position requires a dynamic, outgoing, and energetic individual who can effectively engage a crowd of children and adults in various activities and is able to work a flexible schedule.

All museum staff and interns are expected to cooperate with one another in furthering the museum’s general objectives and in completing museum projects. Similarly, all staff and interns consistently maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, act with integrity and in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and demonstrate a loyalty to the museum in all public contacts. Guests and colleagues deserve our best efforts every day.

Essential Functions:

The specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Facilitate guests’ experiences in the museum’s Play Lab, executing daily programming based around monthly themes.
• Assist in researching, designing, and implementing innovative public programs and community engagement strategies that reflect and build upon The Strong’s mission, exhibits, and collections.
• Participate in collaborative discussions, meetings, and projects for various public program initiatives.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and design of programs that include elements of physical activity, promoting physical movement through play, wellness, and confidence with activities.
• Provide quality service to museum guests, regardless of specific assignment. Understand the importance the museum places on extraordinary guest service and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Greet, welcome, and interact with museum guests on behalf of public program activities in a friendly and helpful manner.
• Maintain a high level of physical and verbal energy.
• Cooperate with the senior director of public programs and public program coordinators in the execution of activities and performances. Assist other program staff and interns as needed.
• Participate in the set-up and take-down of public programs activities.
• Facilitate program crafts and activities at specific stations. Model proper use of materials and supplies. Always remain in assigned area unless permission is granted by the program leader.
• Keep work areas safe and inviting by cleaning up after activities. Restock and maintain inventory of craft and activity supplies as needed.
• Engage with museum guests as a character performer, superhero, or face character, as requested.
• Facilitate positive, memorable meet and greet experiences between performers and guests.
• Effectively communicate with a performer using verbal cues and understand non-verbal cues from the performer.
• Provide answers to guests’ questions, including information regarding daily events, programs, and general museum information.
• Publicly support team decisions, even if they conflict with personal opinions.
• Identify and act on opportunities to help and support the efforts of coworkers and staff from other teams.
• Participate in collaborative discussions, meetings, and projects for various public program initiatives.
• Participate in all required museum training.

Pre-Internship Requirements:

Must consent to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check as conditions of the internship.