Special Events Intern

Irish Arts Center
New York, NY
US

Job Details

DESCRIPTION

Winter/Spring ’26: Jan 20 – April 14
Application Deadline: Jan 5

POSITION

Strategic development and fundraising are a crucial component to the health and sustainability of any cultural organization. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, in a fun and friendly environment. The Special Events Intern will support a range of development activities, including special events, donor cultivation, private receptions, VIP experiences and development operations. This is an opportunity to gain exposure to every area of fundraising. The ideal candidate is flexible, professional, and excited about working in a fast-paced organization experiencing significant growth, with a “roll up your sleeves” mentality and a keen interest in contemporary Irish/Irish American arts and culture. This position allows room for self-direction, with oversight and real ability to learn the workings of a fast-paced development office.
You must commit to the full length of the session listed above. The position pays $17 per hour and is a 20-hour-per-week commitment. The position operates on a hybrid work model. Some evening and weekend hours will be required for in-person fundraising events. Our normal operating business hours are M-F: 10AM – 6PM.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Special Events:

Supporting event planning, relevant logistics, and special events fundraising efforts (including our annual gala)
Day/night of event assistance with guest check-in, auction setup and distribution, and general logistics
Assist with fundraising and event communications, including email blasts, RSVP tracking, and list management
Organizing, prepping, and ordering supplies in relation to special events (including the Silent Auction during the annual Gala)
Performs other related duties as required

Development Operations:

Prospect research (create donor profiles for senior leadership)
Membership renewal communications, solicitations, and thank you calls
Database cleaning through duplicate merges and constituent creation/updating

Special Projects & Major Individual Gifts:

Database entry for Moves Management Actions and Correspondence through plans in Tessitura
Administrative support related to strategic communications for donors and prospects
Administrative support on other special projects related to revenue development and artistic planning

Experience and Education:

Prior administrative work experience, preferably in a development or non-profit context

Core Competencies and Skills:

Strong command of Microsoft Excel and Word.
Willingness to learn our database software, Tessitura
An interest in the arts/culture, and non-profit field
Detail oriented
Superior writing, editing, and research skills
Positive attitude, self-motivated, enthusiastic
Ability to work well under pressure and maintain a high level of confidentiality
Ability to prioritize responsibilities, work independently when needed, and set/adhere to deadlines

Working Requirements (Travel Requirements, Overtime, Shifts, On-Call, etc.):

This is a 20hr/week part-time hybrid position during normal operating hours 10AM-6PM
Candidates must reside in New York City or the surrounding area.
Select nights/ weekends for special events and opening nights. (must be available for all Special Event dates, 1-2 per session)
This job requires US work authorization. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

COMPENSATION AND PERKS

$17.00 per hour
Free entry to any regularly ticketed IAC event for the duration of the internship
Free registration for one IAC class within a 1 year of completion of the internship
Assistance in receiving course credit, where available
Receive valuable training in industry-standard tools such as Tessitura, Wordfly, and Zkipster
Identify/cultivate interests within a non-profit development department
Hybrid Work Environment

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

About Irish Arts Center:

Irish Arts Center (IAC) is a national and international home for artists and audiences of all backgrounds. Based in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, Irish Arts Center presents, develops, supports, and promotes work from established and emerging artists, providing cultural experiences that are innovative, collaborative, diverse, authentic, and emotionally and intellectually transporting, meet the highest standards of excellence, and celebrate our common humanity in an environment of Irish hospitality. Founded in 1972, throughout our history the Center has also provided community education programs and access to the arts for adults and children of all ages and ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Irish Arts Center recently completed construction of a $60 million landmark new permanent home, including a state of the art flexible performance and arts space for the presentation and development of work across a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literature and the humanities; classrooms and studio spaces for education programs, development, and collaboration; technology to stream and distribute content on the digital platform; and an avenue-facing lobby café that is a hub for hospitality and interaction between artists and audiences. As part of a second phase, IAC will renovate its adjacent existing 51st Street building to provide a second, intimate performance space—the historic Irish Arts Center theatre—optimized for the most intimate live music and conversation, recordings, podcasts, master classes and special events, and a courtyard entrance on 51st Street where the historic Irish Arts Center and the new building meet.

As IAC is committed to representing diverse identities in our artistic programming, so too are we committed to diverse representations in our administrative team. Irish Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed (religion), color, sex (including gender expression), national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

New York Times New York’s Irish Arts Center Upgrades to a ‘Flagship Hub’ | The $60 million building in Hell’s Kitchen, which will present theater, dance, music and more, is scheduled to open in December.

American Theatre A Big Table: What the New Irish Arts Center Means for New York | The company’s glittering new $60 million building, long in the works, puts the emphasis on multidisciplinary programming and Irish hospitality.

Irish Times New York’s Irish Arts Center Gets a New Lease of Life

DURATION

Jan 20, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026

SALARY

$17.00 – $17.00 per hour

HOW TO APPLY

APPLY ONLINE

https://irishartscenter.applytojob.com/apply/JqAkurHry7/Special-Events-Intern?source=Playbill