Research and Membership Internship

Irish-Arts-Center; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free event entry to IAC events

Free class registration at IAC

Course credit assistance

Tessitura training

Hybrid work with one in-office day

Job summary

Irish Arts Center is seeking a Research and Membership Intern to support development efforts across research, prospecting, individual giving and membership, plus help with events and operations. The role offers exposure to multiple facets of fundraising in a growing nonprofit, with a hands‑on, collaborative environment.

The internship runs about 20 hours/week for three months (early Oct–early Jan) at $17.00/hour, with a hybrid model (mostly remote, one day in the office) and occasional

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit development or fundraising is a plus.
• Strong writing and editing skills are desired.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems.

Responsibilities

• Prospect research, donor profiling, and support for frontline fundraisers.
• Support membership events, monthly newsletters, and perk fulfillment.
• Assist with day/night-of events, email blasts, RSVP tracking, and list management.

Skills

Excel

Word

Research

Communication

Detail oriented

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

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 $17.00 per hour and is a 20 hour per week commitment for about 3 months (from early October to early January). 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

• This is a 20hr/week part‑time 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.
• This job requires US work authorization. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. IAC participates in E-Verify.

COMPENSATION AND PERKS

• $17.00 per hour
• Free entry to any regularly ticketed IAC event for the duration of the internship
• Free registration for one IAC class within a 1 year of completion of the internship
• Assistance in receiving course credit, where available
• Receive valuable training in industry standard tools such as Tessitura and iWave
• Identify/cultivate interests within a non‑profit development department
• Hybrid Work Environment with one mandatory day in office

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 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 is 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 courtyard entrance on 51st Street where the historic Irish Arts Center and the new building meet.

As IAC is committed to representing diverse identities in our artistic programming, so too are we committed to diverse representations in our administrative team. Irish Arts Center is an equal 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.

New York Times New York’s Irish Arts Center Upgrades to a 'Flagship Hub' | The $60 million building in Hell's Kitchen, which will present theater, dance, music and more, is scheduled to open in December.

American Theatre A Big Table: What the New Irish Arts Center Means for New York | The company’s glittering new $60 million building, long in the works, puts the emphasis on multidisciplinary programming and Irish hospitality.

Irish Times New York’s Irish Arts Center Gets a New Lease of Life