Betty Bowen Award Intern

Seattle, WA
Internship
Curatorial
Entry Level

Betty Bowen Award Administration Internship

Summer Quarter 2024

Applications Due Date: May 3, 2024

Position Start Date: July 8, 2024

 

TITLE: Betty Bowen Award Intern

DEPARTMENT/LOCATION: Curatorial Department, SAM Downtown

DEPARTMENT STAFF MENTORS: Associate Curator for Modern & Contemporary Art, Curatorial Division Coordinator

 

OVERVIEW

The Betty Bowen Award Intern assists with the planning, organization, and implementation of the annual Betty Bowen Award, an award granted to outstanding visual artists currently living and working in the Pacific Northwest.

Under the direction of the Assistant Curator for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Betty Bowen Intern will assist with the organization and administration of the Betty Bowen Award, now in its 47th year. The intern will coordinate and attend committee meetings, promote the call for entries, organize artist applications, correspond with artists about the award, manage communication with the Committee, and produce press releases and mailings related to the award.

This internship position reports to the Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. The intern will also work with the Jon and Mary Shirley Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Betty Bowen Committee. They will also coordinate with artists living in the Northwest and other SAM Departments.

More information about the Betty Bowen Award can be found on our website at www.visitsam.org/betty-bowen.

 

PAY RANGE: The hourly rate for this role is $19.97.

 

FSLA STATUS & COMPENSATION:

This intern will be hired as a temporary, non-exempt employee. Along with the above pay rate, this intern will be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Paid sick time accrued at a rate of 0.0385 per hour worked, estimated at 5.75 hours total for a 10-week intern.
  • SAM Savings & 403(b) Retirement Plan, with Roth option available.
  • Fringe benefits include two guest passes to SAM, access to RIC Fitness Center, Tier III AAM membership, discounts for SAM membership and Shop, access to member rates for ticketed events at SAM, and a subsidized ORCA card.

 

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT:

15 hours per week, for 10 weeks. Schedule is flexible within Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm office hours.

The intern will be expected to work extended hours, from roughly 9am-5pm, for two committee meetings in September. Dates for required attendance include:

  • Award Committee Meetings on 9/5 and 9/6
  • Finalist Presentations on 9/20

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Working with their supervisor, this intern will gain hands-on experience with public outreach, awards administration, and working with a philanthropic board. The intern will further develop their skills in community engagement, project management, communication, and writing.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Betty Bowen Intern will be responsible for helping to organize and administer all aspects of the Betty Bowen Award, including:

  • Becoming familiar with the history, purpose, and application requirements of the Betty Bowen Award. 
  • Promotion and support for the call for entries to NW artists, galleries, and museums.
  • Organization of artist applications, including video submissions.
  • Communication and assistance with the award application process.
  • Managing communication with the Committee.
  • Compiling of all meeting materials, including PowerPoints, videos, and application packets.
  • Coordination of and attendance at all committee meetings.
  • Completion of a press release following announcement of the award.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

  • Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with limited supervision.
  • Demonstrated skill in project management or coordination involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with customers, staff, volunteers, artists, committee members, and other community groups.
  • Proficient in writing and editing with a professional tone.
  • Demonstrated expertise and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the internet.
  • Ability to ask for help and accept evaluation of your work.
  • Ability to adhere to museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

 

EDUCATION

Currently working towards or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in arts administration, fine art, museum studies, nonprofit management, or other related field.

Competitive applicants will have a demonstrated interest in Modern and Contemporary Art and/or artists from the Pacific Northwest.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Exposure: Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with light background noise. Work is occasionally performed at other indoor and outdoor sites. 

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Stationary Work:  Approximately 80% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 20%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when assisting at Museum events.

Communication:  Clear and effective communication with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary.

Moving:  The ability to move up to twenty pounds on occasion is necessary for moving files, equipment, and supplies. Must be able to regularly position self to access files.

Office Work:  Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.

 

OTHER EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organization, and as individuals, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, caste, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, political ideology, gender identity or expression, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status, use of Section 8 certificate, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other class protected by federal, state or local laws.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.  

Please be aware that SAM does not sponsor work or study visas for interns at this time.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS (DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: MAY 3, 2024)

Applications are only accepted via the online form at https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply.

Application materials in PDF format may also be sent to [email protected].

Each application should include:

  • Application Form (completed online)
  • A Cover Letter that describes:
    • Your previous experience and how it relates to the duties of this role.
    • Your approach to project management, organization, and coordination between multiple stakeholders.
    • Your communication style and how you have applied interpersonal skill in a professional setting.
    • What you hope to gain from this experience and how might it enhance your education and career plans.
  • Resume, which describes experience you believe is relevant to this internship and your professional goals. This may include professional experience, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, community service, and academic projects.
  • One or More Professional References or Letters of Recommendation, ideally from teachers, supervisors, or mentors. Reference information may be emailed directly to [email protected], with the applicant name noted in the Subject line.

For additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (206) 654-3188 or [email protected].

 

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