Summer 2026 Development Intern (Paid)

Internship: Development (Paid)

For application deadlines and internship dates please visit: Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum documents and interprets the history of country musica musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city the state and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums the Museum proudly combines subject expertise ambitious research and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music art and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs publications and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print a letterpress print shop opened in 1879 and it operates Historic RCA Studio B where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

Internship Program Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museums mission. The Museums internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.

The application process for prospective interns includes the submission of:

• An online application for the specific internship you are applying for via our internal hiring system
• A resume
• A one-page cover letter; it is recommended that your cover letter explain how your education and experience will contribute positively to this internship and how this internship relates to your academic pursuits and/or career goals

What We Offer Interns:

• The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelors degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a masters degree or higher
• Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
• Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
• Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
• Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print Historic RCA Studio B and the Museums galleries
• Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants
• Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music the Opry Ryman Auditorium and more!
• Fun friendly and supportive learning environment

Field Forward Stipend: Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship that supports students with demonstrated financial need and students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers. Field Forwards goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more including important deadlines please visit: Overview: The Development department oversees all philanthropy on behalf of the Museum which includes Museum membership; annual major and planned giving; special events which range from exhibition opening receptions to fundraisers; as well as foundation corporate sponsorship and government giving programs. We also steward relationships with Country Music Hall of Fame members; the broader music community; elected officials; local state and national arts organizations; and Museum donors. We are constant advocates for the arts on local and national levels and we publish strategic communications on the Museums behalf such as the Annual Report. Our goal is to provide excellent stewardship to all who make gifts of time talent and treasure to the mission in support of our mission-focused work.

Development Internship Overview: The Development intern will be a part of and work alongside the Development team. The goal of this internship is for the intern to learn the various aspects of philanthropy and stewardship at a major museum. The intern will gain hands-on experience in: hosting Museum events grant research donor and constituent support corporate partnerships memberships and major gifts.

Specific Internship Duties:

• Support donor/constituent stewardship benefit fulfillment and acknowledgement processes for corporate partnership program Museum membership program major gifts and events
• Work within the constituent relationship management database (Tessitura) to enter and maintain data essential to Development outreach and organization
• Assist corporate partnership program with management of in-kind partnership trade allotments and inventory
• Assist Museum membership program with customer service retention and renewal solicitation and benefit fulfillment
• Help with execution of internal Museum events such as private exhibit openings donor events and major fundraisers
• Complete research to support charitable solicitation of major gifts corporate partnerships grants and fundraising events
• Lend general administrative assistance to Development staff

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled credit-seeking and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student

Preferred Requirements:

• Interest and/or previous experience in nonprofit organizations and fundraising arts and cultural institutions and/or country music history
• Pursuing degree or coursework in business nonprofit management museum administration music communications or a related field

Conditions of Internship:

• Internship hours are between Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT; must be available to work select evenings and weekends for special events
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement

Notes to Applicant:

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes characteristics and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect communication and understanding while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills experience and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) national origin political affiliation gender identity sexual orientation disability genetic information or characteristics age membership in an employee organization military or veteran status or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification including federally mandated E-Verify processes as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: Experience:

Intern