Family Programs Pathways Exploration Intern

Family Programs Pathways Exploration Internship (Temporary, Non-Exempt)

Why Join Us?

At the Denver Art Museum (DAM), we work together to build a world where art sparks creativity, and connects, inspires, and empowers people and communities.

The Pathways Exploration Internship Program (PEI) is an 11-week career training program that takes place from May 20th - August 7th, 2026. This program is available for current college students and early career professionals (max. 2-years post-grad) and provides paid exploratory opportunities for candidates whose identities may be considered underrepresented in arts and cultural fields. The intention of this program is to provide support and an understanding of different career pathways within a museum while developing skills necessary to pursue a career in the arts and cultural field.

Interns will be responsible for day-to-day department work, participation in PEI activities (professional development, check-ins, team-building opportunities, etc.), and a department project that will culminate in a presentation at the end of the summer.

This position contributes to the programs and initiatives of the Learning and Engagement Department. Experience the many aspects of this department with a combination of projects and daily responsibilities. The Family Programs Intern will gain hands-on experience working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds. Responsibilities include supporting summer camp operations, assisting with program facilitation, and ensuring smooth day-to-day activities. The intern will help maintain engaging and interactive family spaces within the museum galleries and will learn about the planning and coordination of in-gallery activities. This position offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills in program design, implementation, and logistics, and examine what it takes to ensure a high-quality, enriching experience for diverse communities.

Be a part of a curious, respectful, dynamic, inclusive and creative team who are committed to creating memorable museum experiences for all! If you share our passion for creativity and community building, we encourage you to apply!

Schedule: A commitment of 32-40 hours per week over the course of 11 weeks is requested; hours are relatively flexible between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Program start date: May 20^th, 2026

Program end date: August 7^th, 2026

Pay Range: This is a paid position ($19.29 per hour). Course credit may be available through your academic program. Please contact your institution directly for eligibility.

Perks and Benefits: Free RTD EcoPass; free DAM Family Membership; 4 hours of personal time plus Colorado paid sick leave; Employee Assistance Program; subscription to Headspace; 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute; those who meet the requirements after one year and 1,000 worked hours qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and up to 2% match program; and more.

Please note: The Denver Art Museum does not provide parking for its employees.

What You'll Do

Department Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist with Summer Camp Operations: Support the coordination and execution of camp activities such as with arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for children and their caregivers.
• Assist with Program Logistics: Help with the preparation and setup of materials for family programs, ensuring everything is organized and ready for use.
• Maintain Family Spaces in Galleries: Assist in organizing, cleaning, and maintaining interactive, family-friendly spaces in the museum galleries to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Develop and Implement Activities: Collaborate with the Family Programs team to help plan, develop, and implement new interactive activities for summer camp children during morning check-in, check-out or at lunch and recess.
• Monitor Participant Engagement: Observe and support participants during programs, ensuring all families have a positive and enriching experience.
• Collect and Analyze Feedback: Help gather and analyze feedback from families and program participants to evaluate the effectiveness and improve future programs.

General Internship Responsibilities:

• Participate in all Pathways Exploration Internship (PEI) related events, including professional development opportunities, panels, team building events, group check-ins, and department presentations.
• Contribute to a department project that encompasses the goals and objectives of your department and highlights your specific interests in the museum field.
• Present your department project at the end of the internship.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree or a recent graduate (max. 2 years post-grad.)
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to participate in group activities.
• Ability to contribute to several projects at once.
• Some formal or informal experience working with children
• Passion for art and arts-integrated learning
• Experience with crafts and/or artmaking and object-based learning
• Ability to engage campers with diverse identities and experiences in art
• Ability to help children navigate social-emotional needs; familiarity with trauma-informed approaches is preferred

What You Will Learn From Us

• Introductory skills for a career pathway in an arts and cultural organization.
• Cross-departmental collaboration.
• Networking opportunities.
• Program coordination.
• Family and community engagement.
• In-gallery teaching.
• Visitor feedback/data collection.
• Program strategy development.

This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.

The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Our Hiring Process and What to Expect

We know that searching for a job can be stressful, so we would like to give you an overview of the process to manage expectations.

• Application close date is February 24, 2026.
• Please submit a resume and answer all application questions to be considered for this role.
• This role will require an interview with the hiring panel. Interviews may be held in person or virtually depending on the candidate's location.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status.
• Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.

Who We Are

At the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.

The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.

We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity-connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum's board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.