Space Planning & Facilities Management Intern

Space Planning & Facilities Management Undergraduate Intern - Fall 2025

The Facilities department at the MFA is primarily responsible for managing the campus, buildings, and systems that house the collections and supporting programs. This close-knit team plays a critical role in responding to facilities’ needs, implementing key projects, and planning for the future. The Facilities team collaborates closely with most of the departments in the MFA, as our function crosses all silos, and takes pride in exceptional customer service in support of the Museum’s priorities and core mission.

The Space Planning and Facilities Management intern will be part of the Facilities team and report to the Senior Campus Planner, who leads long-term planning for the museum’s growth and improvement. They will support a variety of projects, including space planning, capital improvements, and coordination with other departments such as Events, Grants, and Gallery Renovations. The intern will also work closely with the Facilities administration team, participating in data gathering, coordination meetings, and design discussions. This role offers the opportunity to build professional relationships across departments, gain insight into how a Facilities team operates within the Museum context, and develop practical skills in planning, communication, and project coordination.

The intern must commit to work onsite 15-20 hours per week, (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from September 12 through December 12, 2025, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.

The selected intern will be paid at a rate of $ 16.80 per hour. Each intern will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program.”

Essential Functions:

• The intern will work with colleagues across the Museum to update the space data system of record by adding as-built conditions and then develop a variety of data visualization plans and graphics related to museum facilities. Ability to work in Rhino (or CAD) and Creative Suite are needed for this work
• Collaborate with the Events and Utilities teams by developing a comprehensive inventory of room setup configurations used across the museum. This project will involve documenting layout types, furniture and equipment needs, and typical use cases for a variety of event and meeting spaces. The resulting inventory will serve as a reference tool to help staff plan future room setups more efficiently and consistently. Ability to work in Rhino (or CAD) is needed for this work
• Support the Facilities and Campus Planning team by attending project meetings and assisting with documentation, including meeting minutes, capturing action items, and next steps. Projects at the time of the internship might include elevator replacement, office construction and relocation, and miscellaneous physical improvements across the building.  The role also includes collaborating with cross-departmental teams and supporting the preparation of materials for stakeholders. Ability to learn Excel and Word are needed.

Secondary Functions: 

• Gain exposure to other departments that intersect with Facilities operations, including External Relations. Working with the Foundation and Government Relations team, the intern will learn how grant funding opportunities—both government and private foundation—are identified in collaboration with Facilities. The intern may assist in compiling technical or narrative content to support proposals and reports for current funders, offering insight into how sustainability and infrastructure priorities are communicated to external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program in architecture, construction management, urban planning or related field of study concurrent with the internship period
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Interest in architecture, engineering, urban planning, or museum operations
• Willingness to learn and apply tools such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, Adobe Create Suite and CAD or Rhino
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail
• Ability to commit to work onsite 15-20 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), from Sept 12 through Dec 12, 2025, including attendance at the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.  
• Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 12, 2025, 10am to 3:30pm.

How to Apply 

• DO NOT INCLUDE any document, (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations), that is not specifically requested within this description.

1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following:
   1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
   2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
   3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
   4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview
   5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
2. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2025)
3. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.
4. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.
5. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 11, 2025.