Intern - MNHS Press Design Intern

Mnhs; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) invites applicants for the MNHS Press Design Intern position. The intern will assist the publishing staff across print production, design, marketing, editorial, and administration in an office setting.

Responsibilities include creating print and digital promotions, layout design, production support, and research for potential books. Part-time, Jan 2027–May 2027 with seminars and final presentations.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or graduated within the past 12 months.
• Ideal candidates may have a degree in graphic design, marketing, business, English, art, history or communications.
• Working knowledge of graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• General research and communication skills.
• Interest in book design and production.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Interest in social media/marketing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google suite preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist Marketing staff to create print and digital book promotions.
• Design and layout academic print or electronic direct mailing pieces.
• Provide production and design support for press kits and content.
• Meet with Editorial to learn department functions.
• Conduct library and Internet research for potential books/anthologies/reprints.
• Conduct photo and art research for covers and interiors.
• Attend acquisitions meetings.
• Meet with Production Manager to learn department functions and attend production meetings.
• Produce design assets including charts, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Assist with new titles, including cover and interior design opportunities.

Skills

Graphic design

Research

Communication

Organizational skills

Social media/marketing

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate/graduate student or recent grad (within 12 months)

Graphic design or related degree (preferred)

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $17.02 hourly

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately January 19, 2027 to May 23, 2027. A part-time intern must be available to work 10 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 2 5-hour shifts per week, 10:00am - 3:00pm.

POSTING DATE: October 7, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: October 26, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

Thursday, February 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm

Thursday, March 18 from 1:00-3:00pm

Thursday, April 22 from 2:00-4:00pm

Final Presentations: May 23 from 11:30am-1:00pm

DESCRIPTION

The MNHS Press Design Intern will assist the publishing staff in the areas of print production, design, marketing, editorial and administration. We offer an exciting opportunity to work with staff willing to share their knowledge of the book industry, and also provide unique and independent projects. The intern will be working in an office environment with a mix of computer and non-computer related work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1) Assist Marketing staff to create print and digital book promotions ;
• 2) Design and layout academic print or electronic direct mailing pieces;
• 3) Provide production and design assistance for press kits, Amazon A+ content, etc;
• 4) Meet with the Editorial department to learn about department functions;
• 5) Conduct library and Internet research for potential books/anthologies/reprints;
• 6) Conduct photo and art research for covers and interiors;
• 7) Attend acquisitions meetings;
• 8) Meet with the Production Manager to learn about department functions and attend production meetings ;
• 9) Production and design work with publication art assets including image scanning, photo repair/touch up and cartographic projects;
• 10) Provide production and design support for new titles, including possible cover and interior design opportunities;
• 11) Attend staff meetings; meet with the Director, MNHS Press and other divisional staff to learn the business of publishing;
• 12) Design assistance, including creation of charts, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or have graduated with a degree in the following areas: Graphic design, marketing, business, english, art, history or communications majors will be considered. Preference will be given to students with a design background.

• Working knowledge of graphic design and that field’s associated computer software (Adobe Creative Suite)

• General research & communication skills

• An interest in book design and production

• Top notch organizational skills

• Aptitude/interest in social media/marketing

• Demonstrated ability to work independently

• Experience with Microsoft Office and the Google software suite are also preferred.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have questions with the application process, email [e-mail] or call 651-259-3191.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

At MNHS, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.