Apprentice-Humanities in Place Program

Mellon Foundation

Humanities in Place Program Apprentice

The Mellon Foundation (“Foundation”) is a not-for-profit, grantmaking organization that believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. The Foundation makes grants in four core program areas – Higher Learning, Arts and Culture, Public Knowledge, and Humanities in Place – and through its signature Presidential Initiatives. The Foundation seeks a Program Apprentice for the Humanities in Place program.

Summary

Reporting to the Program Director and working with the full team, the Program Apprentice will provide a wide range of administrative, organizational, and research support. This role is ideal for a graduate student seeking an opportunity to gain exposure to and experience with place-based cultural heritage, the built environment, and humanities projects and initiatives, as well as foundation operations, generally. The one-year apprenticeship begins in June 2026 and runs full-time (37.5 hours per week) through August 2026. It transitions into a part-time position (22.5 hours per week) from September through May 2027.

Position Description

Responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Work independently and with the team to compile data and conduct research in connection with program grantmaking and initiatives
• Review and research grant inquiries for discussion with the Humanities in Place team
• Participate in introductory calls with the Humanities in Place team and prospective applicants
• Assist with the preparation of briefing materials, reports, and presentations, as assigned
• Assist with sourcing, drafting, and editing content, including memos, talking points, and email
• Assist with the development and coordination of Humanities in Place events and special projects
• Assist with grant reports as needed, and on occasion, proposal development
• Assist with general office and grant-related work, such as electronic filing, preparing correspondence, responding to requests for information, scheduling, etc.
• Reconcile/organize Humanities in Place archival documents in the data storage system
• Provide support for cross-program, grant-related tasks, as assigned

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate program, or will be enrolled in one beginning summer 2026
• Strong interest in the arts and humanities, the built environment and urbanism, heritage and culture, and social justice in a nonprofit setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills with precise attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite design; familiarity with various web-based platforms (e.g., Monday.com; Power BI); and ability to learn new applications quickly
• Proven ability to take direction but also to work with minimal direct supervision and manage multiple projects while being a committed team player
• Some nonprofit experience preferred, with demonstrated ability to anticipate next steps, take initiative, exercise discretion, and apply sound judgment
• Willingness to learn from mistakes, and to approach work with curiosity and integrity
• Must be flexible, highly organized, and have a proven ability to juggle multiple and competing tasks and demands with impeccable follow-up and attention to detail
• Ability to be highly productive working independently and as a member of a team
• GIS mapping skills are a plus

The Mellon Foundation is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment opportunities are based on individual qualifications, merit, and organizational need, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

Mellon is committed to access and inclusion for our applicants. If you have accessibility requests to support your participation in the hiring process, please let us know at your earliest convenience.

Mellon offers a generous total reward package that includes base salary and a comprehensive benefits program, as well as an excellent working environment. Mellon is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated hourly range for this role is $28–$29 per hour. The amount of pay offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials, or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation’s internal pay equity framework.

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days per week in person at the Foundation’s Manhattan offices. This excludes the month of August, which is entirely remote.

Candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter describing fit for the position and a resume by Wednesday, March 4th. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Foundation will consider each complete application carefully but only contact those individuals it believes are most qualified for the position.