Digital Storytelling Fellow (S.H. Kress Collection)

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.  

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.   

Position Summary  

The National Building Museum is currently seeking a Digital Storytelling Fellow (S.H. Kress Collection). This position will be responsible for developing and implementing digital storytelling projects that deepen public engagement with the Museum’s S.H. Kress & Company Collection. Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Strategic Communications & Initiatives, the Digital Storytelling Fellow will conduct research, develop interpretive content, and create digital and marketing materials that bring the Kress Collection to broader audiences. The project focuses on developing and launching an interactive Esri StoryMap, as well as digital storytelling, community engagement, and outreach efforts connected to Kress stores nationwide. The Fellow may also contribute to other Museum digital storytelling initiatives as project needs and priorities evolve.

Weekly schedule is projected at 3-4 days per week. Part-time, $25/hour. This internship will run through May 31, 2027.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and launch an interactive Esri StoryMap featuring Kress stores across the United States, focusing on historical context, object descriptions, and narratives connecting Kress stores to broader architectural, cultural, and community histories.
• Conduct research using the Museum’s collections and archival materials to develop compelling stories about Kress stores, their architecture, design, and communities.
• Create digital storytelling content, including blog posts and video concepts, that highlights the Kress Collection and the Museum’s collections stewardship work.
• Develop a public crowdsourcing campaign inviting communities to contribute photographs, memories, and personal histories related to Kress stores. 
• Research and develop relationships with historical societies, local Main Streets, preservation organizations, and other community partners connected to Kress store locations.
• Develop outreach materials, including email templates, social media content, and other communications, to support community partners in promoting the StoryMap and crowdsourcing campaign.
• Collaborate with Collections and Marketing & Communications staff to ensure research and interpretation are accurate, accessible, and engaging for public audiences.
• Contribute to other Museum digital storytelling initiatives, including research, content development, interpretation, and outreach, as project needs and priorities evolve.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Graduate-level study or emerging professional experience in digital humanities, public history, museum studies, architectural history, interpretive education, communications, or a related field.
• Familiarity with digital mapping or storytelling platforms, particularly experience with Esri StoryMaps and other Esri platforms.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to translate scholarly or archival research into accessible public-facing content.
• Experience creating content for digital platforms, including websites, blogs, social media, or video. Familiarity with graphic design and content-creation tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or comparable platforms.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Experience with project management and collaboration tools, such as Asana or comparable platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external community partners.
• Familiarity with museum collections, archival research, or interpretive practices is a plus.

What We Offer

Part-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Paid sick and safe leave.
• 403 (b) plan with match.
• Museum Shop discounts.