Education & Programming Intern

****This internship pays $16.50 per hour****

About ESPHS:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.
Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.
 

Position Summary: The Programs Intern will support various projects throughout the organization including public programs, exhibits, special events, and research projects. The Programs Intern will report to the Senior Manager of Program Development, and will also perform any additional research and programming related tasks as assigned. This position is temporary (approximately four months), part time (20 hours per week), including remote and in-person hours. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Work with the Senior Manager to conceptualize and curate museum exhibits and programs.  

• Maintain the upkeep of special exhibits and programs by removing and documenting visitor feedback, ensuring materials are always stocked, and removing any offensive content. 

• Support program development and implementation and attend relevant meetings. 

• Maintain the upkeep of special exhibits and programs by removing and documenting visitor feedback, ensuring materials are always stocked, and removing any offensive content. 

• Create content for special exhibits and programs including explainers for staff and visitors and training materials. 

• Conduct research for exhibits and programs. 

• Act as point of contact for partner organizations and guest speakers involved in online and in person programs.  

• Support the Manager of Archives and Records with the set up and breakdown of pop-up exhibits. 

Other duties  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Eastern State Penitentiary Halloween Nights employees are expected to be flexible and to take on additional duties as assigned, according to the organization’s needs and the staff member’s skills and abilities.   

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Commitment to Eastern State’s mission and vision. 

• Attention to detail, organized, and results driven.  

• Excellent time management skills with ability to work on more than one project at a time. 

• Stellar written and verbal communication skills. 

• Creativity and adaptability. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 

• Ability to work with diverse audiences. 

Education and Experience: 

• Familiarity with the criminal legal system and mass incarceration. 

Physical Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. 

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. 

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Pay Rate: $16.50 / Hour 

Commitment to Diversity:
We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.