Community Engagement and Accessibility Internship

Interested candidates must apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed by following this link to the job posting.

Overview

For some segments of the population, barriers like disability, income, or language can make the Museum experience difficult to navigate.  Through the Science within Reach Initiative, the Science Museum of Virginia works with diverse communities to identify their needs and find solutions to break down barriers of access. Museum inclusion means that these guests are able to engage and participate in learning alongside, not segregated from, their classmates, friends, and families and that learning opportunities are presented through a variety of modes, media, and platforms. The Science Museum seeks an intern who will assist the Museum in developing and expanding outreach to new and existing Science Within Reach audiences. 

Job Description

Under the leadership of the Community Engagement Coordinator, the intern will audit internal accessibility tools and make recommendations. They will research and attend community cultural events. Most importantly, while helping refresh the Museum’s community network database, they will gather information on community needs and produce a meaningful document to inform the Museum’s outreach and engagement goals.

All Summer Interns will gain exposure and an insider view of a wide cross-section of museum career opportunities and develop leadership skills as well as hands-on project experience. Internship activities will include meetings with Museum senior leaders, direct work experience, professional development, participation in breakfast club presentations on science and the Museum field, and networking opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as college undergraduates or graduate students 
• Candidates should be comfortable finding creative solutions to problems of access and inclusion
• Enjoy working with people of all backgrounds - especially people with disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Blind/Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing) or other minority populations
• Desire to make informal education accessible to all in a professional and positive way
• Prior involvement in building relationships with community members or desire to enhance community engagement skills
• Demonstrate maturity, common sense, flexibility, and reliability
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while following the supervisor’s instructions and guidance
• Ability to take constructive criticism and feedback well and apply it for the remainder of their internship
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Additional Considerations

• Experience working with children of various ages. ASL or Spanish language competencies is a plus. First generation college students are encouraged to apply

Commitment

• This is a paid internship position
• Interns will be expected to complete 300 hours between Mid-May and Mid-August
• Interns will be paid at an hourly rate of $15/hr
• Candidates selected for interviews should be prepared to discuss their general summer availability
• If receiving school credit, candidates should specify their academic program and required hours
• Interns must commit to participating in all required training sessions
• The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed via https://jobs.virginia.gov/

All submissions must include a cover letter describing their interest in the specific internship and a résumé

Name/Address of Internship Site:
Science Museum of Virginia located at 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23200-2054

Additional Information: 

Candidates with questions can contact Volunteer and Internship Coordinator, Jared Strawderman, at jstrawderman@smv.org or at 804-864-1514.