Emerging Arts Leader Internship

ABOUT THE ROLE

Partnering with SAM’s Education team, this intern will focus on a review and update to SAM’s Educator Resource Guides.

Educator Resource Guides are designed for educators visiting SAM locations on a self‑guided visit or for use in the classroom, before or after a field trip to the museum. Teachers are encouraged to develop open‑ended discussions that ask for a wide range of opinions and expressions from students. The projects in this guide connect to core curriculum subject areas and can be adapted for a variety of grade levels to meet state and national learning standards.

Related images for each project are included for classroom use. These resources also include information about scaling activities and modifying them.

FSLA STATUS: Temporary, Non‑Exempt

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of School & Educator Programs

COMPENSATION: $21.30 per hour

Accepting applications through Friday, February 27, 2026.

This intern will learn to navigate a multi‑department organization, form meaningful professional relationships, and apply their own perspectives and leadership experience to work at the museum. In addition, this intern will:

• Develop a clear understanding of SAM’s current strategies in developing educational programs and engaging a broad range of audiences both within and outside of our galleries.
• Learn to collect, organize, and summarize information from multiple sources.
• Refine a writing style that clearly articulates program goals, learning outcomes, and impacts for K‑8 student audiences.

• Research artwork and educational strategies used in past School & Educators outreach programs.
• Learn about key concepts related to arts education and learning, such as Visual Thinking Strategies, multimodal communication, and relevant WA curriculum standards.
• Update three Educator Resource Guides, containing relevant object highlights, hands‑on activities, and other learning materials appropriate for K‑8 students.
• Develop and deliver a presentation related to your internship work or professional interests.
• Complete a job shadow with frontline volunteers during open hours.
• Complete a one‑page reflection, blog post, or interview about your internship experience.
• Attend Enrichment Sessions, informational interviews, and check‑ins as available.

• Demonstrated interest or experience in the arts, education, or public arts programs. Competitive candidates will be able to articulate why this Emerging Arts Leader Internship supports their professional goals in museums or the wider arts industry.
• Familiarity with engaging multilingual learners and differentiating educational approaches for student needs is preferred. Candidates with in‑classroom instructional experience are well‑positioned to get the most out of this internship experience.
• Some familiarity with Visual Thinking Strategies or engaging audiences as a teacher, docent, or guide is preferred, but not required.
• Strong writing and communication skills, and ability to clearly articulate goals, progress, and outcomes to a professional audience.
• Clear understanding of and ability to discuss concepts related to racial equity, intersectionality, and social justice.
• Demonstrated proficiency in general computer use, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.
• Ability to ask for help and accept supervision and evaluation of your work.
• Ability to work with others professionally and tactfully.
• Ability to adhere to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
• Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance.

Seattle Art Museum’s vision is to be the museum for all of Seattle—a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. To create a welcoming community where people find inspiration and discover our common humanity through exceptional art and dynamic, engaging programs. Art is always at the start and heart of what we do.

Collecting, conserving, and displaying extraordinary works of art is the governing motivation of our museum. So too is fostering a…