Exhibition Program Management Intern

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

SCHEDULE: Full Time, 35 hrs/week, June 16 - August 15, 2025, approximately 3 days working onsite

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

The Exhibitions Specialty under Exhibitions & Program Management (EPM) manages exhibitions, programs, and budgets. Working in conjunction with almost all other departments museum-wide, the EPM department oversees an exhibition’s planning from its conception, offering a broad view of the process of exhibition development at a world-class fine arts museum.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

During their internship at SFMOMA, the Exhibitions Intern will work with the Exhibitions Project Managers on updating and archiving the Exhibition History files of SFMOMA’s past exhibitions. The history files are an important part of recording SFMOMA’s robust exhibition history and include materials such as: as-hung checklists, as-hung floorplans, staff contact list, sample didactics, catalogue information (as relevant), final budget, attendance figures, any educational materials, marketing collateral, opening event invitations, press clippings and more. The Exhibitions intern will also support the Exhibitions Project Managers in establishing a maintenance plan for the files moving forward. In addition to supporting the preservation of this important component of SFMOMA’s institutional history, the intern will have access and insight into various current exhibition projects and the inner workings of the Exhibitions Planning team.  

PROJECT PLAN

Under the close supervision of the Project Manager I, Exhibitions, the intern(s) will be responsible for:

· Researching, compiling, and assembling SFMOMA exhibitions history files to completion. Other responsibilities as identified by Intern and Exhibitions Project Managers. 

· Interns will be required to attend regular lunch and learning sessions to further their understanding of museum careers.

· Interns will also be given opportunities to shadow Exhibitions Project Managers to gain insight into SFMOMA’s exhibitions planning strategies

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Skills Gained

· Exhibitions’ history research; wide-ranging understanding of exhibitions processes including conception, design, installation and coordination, among others

Projects Worked On

· Physical and electronic SFMOMA Exhibitions history files

· Other, as identified

Transferable Skills

· Research, organization of large volume of documentation materials, general museum exhibitions knowledge

ADDITIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMING

The Summer 2025 Internship will offer 9 weeks of hands-on experience and mentorship along with weekly presentations and discussions with various departments in the museum, off-site educational visits within the Bay Area community, and access to various tours and events within the museum.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

· Student (graduate or undergraduate) or recent graduate in fine arts, art history, museum studies, non – profit management. SFMOMA recognizes a graduation date within 6 months of the internship start date as a recent graduate.

· Knowledge of and interest in modern and contemporary art and artists

· Strong communication, organizational and research skills.

· Interest in project management and developing systems and processes strongly encouraged.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

**Current SFMOMA employees are not eligible to apply for the Summer 2025 internship.**

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

· Intern application via SFMOMA's job site

· Resume

· Cover letter stating the specific internship of interest. Describe the experience you bring, why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work, reasons for applying to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and your goals for the internship.

· Two letters of recommendation from either a college professor or former employer.

· College transcript: Transcripts can be unofficial but need to be legible.

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

You do not need separate letters of recommendation for each intern application - please just let each of the recommenders know which internships (up to 3) you're applying to and we'll review those two letters across all of your internship applications.

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.