Smithsonian National Postal Museum Paid Summer Internships 2026: Strategy, Finance & Museum Operations Experience

Applications are now open for paid summer internships at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, part of the globally recognized Smithsonian Institution.

These internships offer a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in museum operations, strategy, finance, and administration while working in Washington, D.C., United States.

About the Internship Program

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum provides immersive internship experiences designed to give participants direct exposure to how a national museum operates behind the scenes.

Interns will work alongside professionals across departments, contributing to real projects in planning, operations, and internal systems development.

This program is ideal for individuals interested in museum studies, nonprofit management, business operations, and public sector careers.

Internship Tracks

Strategic Planning Internship

The Strategic Planning Intern will work closely with the museum’s executive team and gain insight into high-level decision-making and operational planning.

Key responsibilities include:

Supporting strategic planning and management processes
Conducting archival research and industry benchmarking
Learning about museum leadership and operations

Dates: June 22, 2026 – August 14, 2026

Eligibility:
Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) with an interest in:

Museum studies
Nonprofit management
Business and fundraising
Arts management
History or government

Finance & Administration Internship

This role focuses on operational and administrative support within the museum’s Finance and Administration department.

Key responsibilities include:

Supporting internal operations and process improvements
Collaborating across departments
Assisting with the development of an internal SharePoint system for document management

Dates: June 8, 2026 – August 14, 2026

Eligibility:
Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates (within 6 months of graduation) with an interest in:

Museum studies
Business administration or management
Project management
Human resources

Internship Benefits

Participants will gain valuable professional experience in a world-renowned institution.

Benefits include:

Paid internship opportunity
Hands-on experience in museum operations and management
Exposure to executive-level planning and organizational strategy
Practical skills in research, administration, and collaboration
Networking opportunities within the Smithsonian community

Location

All internships are in-person in Washington, D.C., providing a fully immersive experience within the museum environment.

How to Apply

Learn more.

Apply via SOLAA (Program ID 2235).

For more Internship opportunities from OFY, Click here.