Research and Membership Intern

As Irish Arts Center is committed to representing diverse identities in our artistic programming, so too are we committed to diverse representations in our administrative team. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer, and will consider all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

POSITION

Strategic development and fundraising are a crucial component to the health and sustainability of any cultural organization. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising in a fun and friendly environment. The Research and Membership Intern will support a range of development activities, including research and prospecting, individual giving and membership, as well as support with special events and development operations. This is an opportunity to gain exposure to every area of fundraising, especially those interested in frontline fundraising. The ideal candidate is flexible, professional, and excited about working in a fast-paced organization experiencing significant growth, with a “roll up your sleeves” mentality and keen interest in contemporary Irish/Irish American arts and culture. This position allows room for self-direction, with oversight and real ability to learn the workings of a fast-paced development office.

The position pays $16.50 per hour and is a 20 hour per week commitment. The position operates on a hybrid work model where most of the work is virtual with one day in the office mandatory. Some evening and weekend hours will be required for in-person fundraising events. Our normal operating business hours are M-F: 10AM – 6PM.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Research and prospecting

• Prospect research (create donor profiles and briefs for development team frontline fundraisers)
• Creating reports for wealth screenings, team portfolios, and discovery pipelines
• Researching and building profiles for special event attendees and patrons (i.e. gala)
• Administrative support related to strategic communications for donors and prospects

Membership

• Supporting manager in membership event planning and day of needs
• Developing monthly newsletters for members to learn more about events at IAC and their perks
• Membership and Claddagh fulfillment for perks such as tote bags and blankets
• Helping manager in identifying potential prospects for upper-level membership and Claddagh within the current membership pipeline

Special Events

• Day/night-of event assistance with guest check-in, auction setup and distribution, and general logistics
• Assist with fundraising and event communications including email blasts, RSVP tracking, and list management
• Organizing, prepping, and ordering supplies in relation to special events

Experience and Education:

• Prior administrative work experience, preferably in a development or non-profit context

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Strong command of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Willingness to learn our database software, Tessitura
• An interest in the arts/culture, and non-profit field
• Openness in speaking to and connecting with community members and donor prospects
• Detail oriented
• Superior writing, editing, and research skills
• Positive attitude, self-motivated, enthusiastic
• Ability to work well under pressure and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities, work independently when needed, and set/adhere to deadlines

Working Requirements (Travel Requirements, Overtime, Shifts, On-Call, etc.):

• This is a 20hr/week parttime hybrid position during normal operating hours 10AM-6PM
• Candidates must reside in New York City or the surrounding area.
• Select nights/ weekends for special events and opening nights.

ABOUT IRISH ARTS CENTER

Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a national and international home for artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Based in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, Irish Arts Center presents, develops, supports, and promotes work from established and emerging artists, providing cultural experiences that are innovative, collaborative, diverse, authentic, and emotionally and intellectually transporting, meet the highest standards of excellence, and celebrate our common humanity in an environment of Irish hospitality. Founded in 1972, throughout our history the Center has also provided community education programs and access to the arts for adults and children of all ages and ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Irish Arts Center has recently completed construction of a $60 million landmark new permanent home, including a state of the art flexible performance and arts space for the presentation and development of work across a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and the humanities; classrooms and studio spaces for education programs, development, and collaboration; technology to stream and distribute content on the digital platform; and an avenue-facing lobby café that will be a hub for hospitality and interaction between artists and audiences. As part of a second phase, IAC will renovate its adjacent existing 51st Street building to provide a second, intimate performance space—the historic Irish Arts Center theatre—optimized for the most intimate live music and conversation, recordings, podcasts, master classes and special events, and a beautiful new courtyard entrance on 51st Street where the historic Irish Arts Center and the new building will meet.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume, in a single PDF file, to applications@irishartscenter.org with your last name, the session you are applying for (Spring/Summer/Fall), and where you found the job posting in the subject line of your email. (e.g., “Doe, Development Internship – Fall 2025, Idealist”). No calls, please.