Special Assistant (Year-Long Graduate Internship)

About KID Museum

KID Museum is the nation’s leading educational makerspace for youth. Our mission is to revolutionize how kids learn through the maker experience. Through hands-on programming and deep learning experiences, we empower youth with the creative problem-solving and STEM skills to invent the future. With a focus on engaging populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM, our programs aim to build economic opportunity and diversify the future talent pipeline.

Our vision is to become the standard of excellence for inclusive, impactful maker learning nationally, and a model for how to expand access to maker learning at scale. Our headquarters in the Washington, DC region serves as our innovation hub. In partnership with local school systems, government and philanthropic leaders, we design and deliver K-12 programs that produce results at scale in a large and diverse metropolitan region. We leverage the learnings from this learning lab to create resources, training, and technical support to expand high-impact maker learning nationally. For more information, please visit www.kid-museum.org. 

Position Overview

KID Museum is seeking a highly motivated graduate-level intern to serve as a Special Assistant in a dynamic, year-long internship. Reporting to the Managing Director of Strategy and Planning, the intern will work closely with the Executive Director (ED), Managing Director, and other senior leaders to support high-impact projects focused on fundraising, strategic partnerships and organizational growth.

This is an immersive, hands-on opportunity ideal for early-career professionals or graduate students seeking exposure to museum and/or nonprofit operations, fundraising, leadership, and strategic planning. The role offers a unique mentorship experience, with opportunities to contribute directly to KID’s strategic priorities while building skills in nonprofit management, communications, fundraising and leadership. 

The ideal candidate is collaborative, curious, organized, and adaptable, with strong written communication skills and an interest in education innovation, maker learning, and STEM. They will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Bilingual abilities are a plus.

This is a part-time, hourly role, working 30 hours per week. 

Essential Job Functions

• Support special projects led by the Executive Director and Managing Director by conducting research, assisting with drafting project plans and communications, helping coordinate stakeholder outreach, and contributing to initiatives that drive organizational growth.


• Assist the Development team in managing the Executive Director’s fundraising portfolio, including conducting funder research, drafting background materials, preparing for meetings, and helping maintain accurate CRM records.


• Help manage the Executive Director’s calendar by coordinating scheduling requests, tracking priorities, and preparing logistical materials to support effective time management and planning.


• Support communications with external stakeholders such as board members, funders, and partners by preparing emails, tracking follow-ups, and participating in planning efforts for meetings and engagements.


• Assist with internal and external meeting and event planning, including sending invitations, setting up rooms or video conferencing, coordinating catering or materials, and contributing to presentation development.


• Attend and take notes at meetings as assigned, compiling action items, organizing materials, and supporting post-meeting follow-up to ensure continuity and documentation.


• Help coordinate scheduling and communications for the Board of Directors, including distributing materials, tracking RSVPs, and assisting with logistics for board meetings.


• Support document management by organizing, tracking, and filing digital files to ensure accessibility and alignment with team workflows.


• Provide general administrative and project support across teams, contributing to smooth communications, scheduling, and information sharing internally and externally.


• Take initiative on assigned tasks and contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced, mission-driven environment, learning and growing through mentorship and hands-on experience.


• Successfully complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in standard office procedures and tools, with the ability to efficiently use Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and communications technology.


• Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills; experience with project management tools  is a plus.


• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in managing responsibilities and problem-solving.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.


• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy in all internal and external interactions.


• Ability to build relationships and work effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds and roles.


• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer service.

The candidate must be able to perform the role independently, accurately, reliably, and in a timely manner. 

Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are important, interdependent components of everyday life at KID Museum and are critical to our pursuit of excellence. KID Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.