The Office of Development and External Affairs is responsible for finding private funds to support the National Portrait Gallery’s acquisitions, education programs, exhibitions, publications, research and special events. The office works locally and nationally with individuals, foundations, corporations and government sources to accomplish its mission.

The Office of Development and External Affairs is constantly expanding its donor base of individuals, foundations and corporations. Through the year, the office creates and sends out letters of inquiry and proposals to solicit funding for exhibitions, education and other operating needs. In addition, the office maintains and strives to increase various giving programs.

Interns will assist the Office of Development and External Affairs by performing a variety of administrative and research duties, including researching prospective corporate sponsors, foundations and individuals online; developing strategies and writing proposals for various projects; maintaining databases to ensure mailing lists and special events guest lists are kept up-to-date; researching and developing invitation lists and maintaining control of invitation issuance and responses; and preparing and managing the assembly of fundraising materials, including case statements, press releases, photographs and fact sheets. Interns are given the opportunity to volunteer at exhibition openings, portrait presentations and donor cultivation events.

Qualifications
An intern should be detail-oriented, have an interest in research and possess strong writing and critical thinking skills. Interns must be able to communicate in a professional, effective manner with prospective and current donors, commission members, museum visitors and fellow staff members. It is necessary to be comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Terms Internship Is Available:
All terms: fall, winter/spring, and summer.

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