Fall 2026 Development (Paid) Intern

Internship: Development (Paid)

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The Museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The Museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museum's mission. The Museum's internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week, 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum.

The hourly rate for this position is $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelor's degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a master's degree or higher. Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass, complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself, two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use, free guided tour of Hatch Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B, and the Museum's galleries, discounts at Museum stores and restaurants, free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music, the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more! Fun, friendly, and supportive learning environment.

Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend, offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship, that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered. To learn more, including important deadlines, please visit: Countrymusichalloffame.org/support/get-involved/internships.

The Development Department oversees all philanthropy on behalf of the Museum, which includes Museum membership; annual, major, and planned giving; special events, which range from exhibition opening receptions to fundraisers; as well as foundation, corporate, sponsorship and government giving programs. We also steward relationships with Country Music Hall of Fame® members; the broader music community; elected officials; local, state, and national arts organizations; and Museum donors. We are constant advocates for the arts on local and national levels, and we publish strategic communications on the Museum's behalf, such as the Annual Report. Our goal is to provide excellent stewardship to all who make gifts of time, talent, and treasure to the Museum in support of our mission-focused work.

The Development intern will be a part of and work alongside the Development team. The goal of this internship is for the intern to learn the various aspects of philanthropy and stewardship at a major museum. The intern will gain hands-on experience in: hosting Museum events, grant research, donor and constituent support, corporate partnerships, memberships, and major gifts.

Support donor/constituent stewardship, benefit fulfillment, and acknowledgement processes for corporate partnership program, Museum membership program, major gifts, and events. Work within the constituent relationship management database (Tessitura) to enter and maintain data essential to Development outreach and organization. Assist corporate partnership program with management of in-kind partnership trade allotments and inventory. Assist Museum membership program with customer service, retention and renewal solicitation, and benefit fulfillment. Help with execution of internal Museum events such as private exhibit openings, donor events, and major fundraisers. Complete research to support charitable solicitation of major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and fundraising events. Lend general administrative assistance to Development staff.

Minimum Requirements: Currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student. Preferred Requirements: Interest and/or previous experience in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, arts and cultural institutions, and/or country music history. Pursuing degree or coursework in business, nonprofit management, museum administration, music, communications, or a related field. Conditions of Internship: Internship hours are between Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT; must be available to work select evenings and weekends for special events. Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling or emailing to inquire about the status of your application. Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position. Applications are only accepted online on our career page: