Preservation Outreach & Engagement Internship (NTHP & ACHP)

PROJECT SUMMARY

This is a shared, joint internship between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the ACHP Foundation, focused on supporting emerging and mid-career preservation leaders through coordinated program development, Diversity in Preservation Scholarship alumni engagement, and preservation field mapping.

The intern will spend approximately 50% of their time supporting the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s cohort-based program design process. This work will directly support new program development for an ACHP Foundation-funded emerging leaders initiative. Drawing on insights from cohort engagement, the intern will help translate participant perspectives into early-stage program frameworks, clarify goals and structures, and identify how this new initiative can be aligned with and complementary to existing preservation leadership programs.

The remaining 50% of the internship will focus on developing a Diversity in Preservation Scholarship alumni engagement strategy for the National Trust’s Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program. Established in 1992, the program has supported more than 2,800 students and emerging professionals in gaining access to the preservation field and expanding who participates in and leads preservation work nationwide. This component of the internship will identify former Scholars as a critical long-term stakeholder group of the National Trust and outline strategies to deepen relationships, support continued professional growth, and strengthen ongoing connections to the National Trust and the broader preservation movement.

Across both components, the internship aims to identify ways to keep emerging and mid-career leaders engaged with the National Trust and ACHP; to clarify how programs such as the Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program and ACHP emerging leaders initiatives can function as intentional stepping stones rather than isolated experiences; and to contribute to a more connected, inclusive preservation career ecosystem.

National Trust internships are temporary experiential learning opportunities with no expectation of employment at the conclusion of the internship.

For this internship, the National Trust, in partnership with the ACHP Foundation, is offering a stipend of $4,000 to help offset expenses. The period of the internship would be from approximately June 1 – July 24, for approximately 28 hours per week.

DUTIES

• Using a design thinking approach, synthesize notes, themes, and insights from ACHP cohort convenings and subsequent cohort discussions with early- and mid-career preservation professionals
• Support new program development for an ACHP Foundation emerging leaders initiative by helping translate convening and cohort input into draft program goals, structures, and frameworks
• Conduct research and analysis to document emerging and mid-career preservationists’ career trajectories, needs, and points of engagement across institutions and sectors
• Map preservation-focused career-development and leadership programs (including the Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program and ACHP-related initiatives) to identify pathways, gaps, and opportunities for intentional sequencing
• Conduct background research and structured outreach to Diversity in Preservation Scholarship alumni to better understand alumni interests, professional stages, and desired forms of engagement
• Develop a draft Diversity in Preservation Scholarship alumni engagement framework or action plan outlining strategies for communication, programming, mentorship, and long-term relationship-building
• Prepare written summaries, visuals, and briefing materials that translate research and stakeholder input into actionable recommendations for National Trust and ACHP staff
• Participate in regular check-ins with National Trust and ACHP staff and collaborate across teams in a shared, cross-organizational internship structure

EDUCATIONAL VALUE TO THE INTERN

The intern will gain experience under the mentorship of respected preservation and museum professionals in an educational setting at one of the nation’s leading arts & cultural and non-profit advocacy organizations. The intern will also have the opportunity to participate in educational programming offered via the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s organization-wide internship program. Students may also be eligible for college or graduate school academic credit at the discretion of their institution.

Specifically, the intern will gain knowledge in the following areas:

• Preservation leadership development and program design, including how national organizations build, pilot, and refine emerging leaders initiatives informed by practitioner input and cohort-based models
• Alumni and stakeholder engagement strategy, with a focus on designing sustainable engagement approaches for alumni that support long-term professional growth, mentorship, and continued connection to the preservation field

At the end of the project the intern will have produced a synthesized written and visual client report that reflects how emerging and mid-career preservation leaders can be supported through coordinated program design, cross-institutional collaboration, and intentional stakeholder engagement which can be added to their professional portfolio in support of their future career pursuits. The intern will also have the opportunity to network with leaders at both the National Trust and ACHP, and gain a robust understanding of career resources and professional development opportunities across the preservation field.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated interest in historic preservation, public history, cultural heritage, planning, human relations, or a related field, with curiosity about leadership development, program design, and field-building work
• Experience or interest in qualitative research, synthesis, writing, or stakeholder engagement (through coursework, internships, community work, or professional experience)
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization. Basic project-organization skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed. Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required.
• Strong organizational skills required, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required. Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Friendly and professional demeanor on the phone and in writing, with ability to speak and write clearly in English. Bi-lingual language skills a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse colleagues; connections to or experience helping to engage culturally diverse audiences and partners a plus. Bi-lingual language skills (especially English/Spanish) a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with social media required.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required.
• Bachelor’s level studies (or equivalent years of experience) required; current or rising juniors, seniors or graduate students preferred. Studies or demonstrated interest in related subject matter preferred.