McDermott Intern for Access Programs & Resources

Position: McDermott Intern for Access Programs and Resources

Reports to: Manager of Access Programs and Resources

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 90-day introductory period as program schedules allow

Internship Period: September 1 2026 - May 28 2027

Salary: $15/hour 35 hours per week

Deadline: March 16 2026

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.

Scope of Position:

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.

Interns Role & Duties:

• 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 DMAs 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 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 preferred.
• 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 drivers license (or ability to secure one) and ability to drive to program sites occasionally as needed.

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-developing 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.
• Developing 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 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 16 2026.

Please save the files with your last name and document type in the title: e.g. SmithCover LetterPosition Title2026.

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 or Direct your references to upload through this link: 2026 McDermott Internships: Letter of Recommendation Form

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.

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

Societys 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 factorsincluding 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 experiencesmake 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.