Madison Square Park Conservancy
Two Positions: Development Intern and Programs & Special Events Intern
Background | Details | Eligibility
Background
Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy.
Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.
Details
INTERNS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM.
Programs & Special Events Intern
Overview
Madison Square Park Conservancy is excited to offer a summer internship that will give you hands-on experience in public programming, event planning, and arts management. This summer, we will collaborate with artist Lily Kwong to install a unique, interactive landscape that explores the connection between public art, wellness, and rare plants. The intern will play an essential role in executing all programming around this exhibit, which will include a variety of events such as walking tours, wellness activities, children's programs, concerts, lectures, workshops, and donor events.
Throughout the internship, you will develop valuable skills in event planning, promotion, fundraising, nonprofit management, and operations. You'll also have the chance to contribute ideas and participate in brainstorming sessions for long-term planning and future programs. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in an exciting, dynamic arts and public programming environment, and gain practical experience working with a team in a renowned public space.
Responsibilities
As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and successful execution of these events. Your main tasks will include:
Assisting with event planning: You will help create and organize documents to track event details, schedules, and tasks.
Event setup and breakdown: You’ll assist in physically setting up spaces and ensuring everything is ready for each event, as well as helping to clean up afterward.
Managing event supplies: You’ll help keep track of the materials needed for events and help source supplies when necessary.
Engaging with participants: You will have the chance to interact with guests, guiding them through programs and ensuring a positive experience.
Program communications: You’ll help draft and review emails, flyers, and other materials that communicate event details to participants.
Data collection and organization: You’ll assist in collecting feedback and keeping track of data related to event attendance and other metrics.
Event photography: Capture photos of events to help document the experience and promote future programs.
Social media content: Help create engaging social media posts to share the excitement of events and encourage participation.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
An individual who is energetic, creative, and organized.
Knowledge of Google, Powerpoint, and Canva
Research experience, including database usage
Strong communication and marketing skills
An interest in creative writing is a plus.
Knowledge in fundraising and parks is a plus
Compensation
$22.50 per hour
INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 3 – August 5
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: 4 days per week onsite: This will vary from week to week but a typical day would be 10AM–6 PM or 11AM–7PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
Development Intern
Overview
Established in 2003, Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit organization responsible for raising 100% of the funds needed to operate and program Madison Square Park. The 6.2 acre park anchors Manhattan's Flatiron and NoMad district, and serves more than 50,000 visitors each day, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city, and offering a wide range of free events and activities.
MSPC structures our internships to provide participants with broad exposure to the kinds of marketing and communications work required to serve and sustain a non-profit organization, while also customizing the experience to match individual intern's interests to our operational needs. This internship will also provide an opportunity to meet individuals every department and learn all aspects of working at a not-for-profit park.
MSPC works on a team basis, which means that interns will have the opportunity to see how marketing connects to the park's public programming development (fund raising) efforts, and community outreach.
Responsibilities
Work with the Communications and Marketing Manager and Development team to develop an annual community survey that will include analyze data to determine program strategy for 2026 and beyond.
Develop compelling emails and social to drive awareness of our survey and encourage engagement. In person outreach is required as well.
Work with MSPC's development professionals to research prospective donors/sponsors (individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies), and create compelling messaging to use in funder appeals and other outreach. The primary focus will be on targeting the younger demographic and developing a strategy around how to reach and engage this new audience.
Support MSPC's team in preparing for park programs and events.
Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
Intern should have an interest in non-profit management, arts and culture, gardening/horticulture, sustainability, environmental conservation.
Required skills include: teamwork, collaboration; and communication, interpersonal, time management skills. This position will require data entry, writing/editing, design work, and project management.
Compensation
$22.50 per hour
INTERNS WILL WORK 28 HOURS PER WEEK AND ATTEND A MANDATORY OFFSITE PROGRAM DAY ONE DAY PER WEEK WITH THEIR COHORT.
Internship Period: June 3 – August 5
Total Weeks: 9 weeks
Work Hours per Week: 28
Total Hours: 252
Workdays: 4 days per week onsite, 9AM–5PM
PROGRAM DAY:
On Fridays, interns will attend an offsite program day with their cohort.
These hours are separate from the internship hours.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Arts Intern 2025, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and:
Currently enrolled as a full-time rising junior (a current sophomore)
– or –Currently enrolled as a full-time junior – or –
Currently enrolled as a full-time senior graduating by fall 2025.
You must either reside or attend college in New York City.
Click HERE to apply now!