Events and Development Internship at the Maria Mitchell Association

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is offering summer internship(s) in Event Planning and Development. The intern(s) selected for this position will be exposed to many areas of this dynamic organization and will participate in our busy summer programs and events with the MMA Administrative team. The Maria Mitchell Association is an exciting place to work, drawing students, interns, and employees from many disciplines and from all across the country.

The Event Planning and Development Intern(s) work closely with the Development and Events Director and the MMA marketing team and are responsible for all facets of the development and community relations efforts and strategic donor relations that build participation in and support for the Maria Mitchell Association's programs and special events. Responsibilities include special event preparation, special event digital and print communication, event planning, support, and execution. This is a fantastic, immersive experience for students and recent graduates interested in non-profit event planning and development initiatives seeking to build professional expertise in both strategic and hands-on development relations.

Event Planning and Development Intern(s) are expected to help with other aspects of a small non-profit organization, such as with special programs and events, answering requests for information from the public, assisting visitors to our campus, and helping with many other facets of a organization’s day-to-day operations, including working with other departments. This internship includes nights and weekends, with no two consecutive days off guaranteed.

Nantucket Island is a resort community that swells to over 60,000 people in the summer. There are fifty miles of beaches and over half the land area is conservation land. The mission of the MMA is to inspire people to experience Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea. Programs and facilities focus on environmental education, ecological research, astronomy, and historic preservation.

Key Requirements and Qualifications

• A strong interest in event planning and development within a non-profit setting
• Experience with many forms of social media and  e-marketing 
• Experience working with CRM database a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel required. Knowledge of or proficiency in Canva and Flodesk, and other graphic design platforms such as InDesign, Illustrator, and LucidPress are a plus  
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Experience with digital photography 
• At least two years of college, or relevant work experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and work in a busy environment 
• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively in a team setting, adapt to change, and take supervisory direction
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and without supervision
• Evening and weekend hours will be necessary when supporting various special events. 
• General Schedule is 10:00am-5:00pm
• Have a valid and current driver's license with a clean driving record
• Able to pass a safe driving test to be qualified to drive company vehicles to outbound field trips

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Assist with event planning and implementation of activities surrounding annual special events/fundraisers. This includes organizing event supplies, researching products for event gifts, organizing guest lists, creating invitations, and post-event communications
• Draft and design event collateral such as sponsor, auction, and fundraising posters, signs, and programs
• Solicit (in person, and via phone or email) and secure business sponsors for advertising in our Summer Program Calendar and Fundraising Printed Program Books
• Assist as needed with other MMA departments
• Organize event auction and bid sheets
• Perform CRM donor database updates
• Support membership campaigns, including strategy and implementation
• Organize member events and post event follow up
• Research and draft special giving day campaigns
• Assist with mailings and the updating, distributing and placement of advertising, collateral materials, bulletin boards, press releases, website, social media, and other marketing communication tools
• Liaise with third party consultants on the event timeline and particulars (if needed)
• Assist with event planning and implementation of activities surrounding annual special events/fundraisers
• Take part in MMA service projects of 1-2 hours per week
• Assist with observatory open nights at front desk

Compensation and Duration

• This is a paid internship at $16 per hour. 
• The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent for $30 per week to cover cleaning costs with a Security deposit of $200. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate in all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.

  
  

This internship runs from May 31, 2027, to approximately August 27, 2026. The start and end dates may be flexible.

Events and Development Internship applications are due March 1, 2027, at 11pm EST.

Completed applications consist of a resume, cover letter, 3 references and 2 letters of recommendation from these references, official or unofficial transcripts and the Internship application.