Summary/Objective
Job Description
About the BSO
Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to being a best-in-class employer that brings artistic excellence and cultural relevance through music and performances to the local and international communities.
About the Role
The Education & External Engagement Intern is responsible for administrative tasks within BSO’s Education & External Engagement Department to drive educational programming, community engagement, brand awareness, and smooth operations. The ideal candidate can multitask and pivot, while establishing and maintaining efficient organizational systems. This role will work closely with the Directors of Education and External Engagement, Program Managers, and internal partners to consistently deliver on educational and community engagement objectives while maximizing team effectiveness and performance by leveraging technology (G-Suite, MS Office Suite, Workday, Zoom, and related platforms).
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide direct support to the Education and External Engagement Team (VP, Directors, & Program Managers)
- Support the department’s strategic planning process and project management cycles through research, materials prep, and assistance with program facilitation
- Assume responsibility for all administrative duties; organize and manage project databases
- Assist with meeting preparation and mailing correspondence
- Understand the BSO’s brand, growth and marketing goals and how they apply to the department’s collaborative strategies
- Assist with organizing and analyzing data logically and proactively to recommend novel approaches, targeting, and beta testing strategies
- Support fiscal management, including inventory, tracking expenditures, paying vendors, staying on budget, estimating monthly costs, reconciling expenses, and submitting reports
- Partner with other BSO teams to build brand awareness, increase community engagement, and drive conversations with relevant, on-brand influencers and brand partners
- Complete other tasks as assigned
WORK SCHEDULE
- Duration: October 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
- Flexible hours, Monday–Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- A minimum of 5 hours per week is required to be completed in person.
- Occasional weekend and evening event participation as needed.
- Attendance and assistance, as schedules permit, at select Education events, including:
- Boston Family Days (see Addendum on last page)
- High School Open Rehearsals (10/8/26, 1/21/27, 2/25/27)
- Sensory-Friendly Concerts (December 2026 and March 2027)
- Youth Concerts and Open Rehearsals (2/4/27 & 5/6/27)
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications:
- Must be enrolled in good academic standing as a college sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student
- Experience with goal setting and strategic development
- Knowledge of classical music
- Understands project management & implementation, data collection and analysis methodologies, KPIs
- Professional, honest, and reliable with the ability to deal respectfully and responsively with people from various backgrounds, experience levels, and in all types of situations
- Problem-solver with a strong ability to evaluate problems accurately and apply good judgment
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing interests
- Possesses a strong command of written English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Must be able to accurately proofread, edit, and draft written correspondence to internal and external interest holders
- Skillful communicator & active listener; High EQ, low ego; clear, honest, transparent communication
- Technology Proficiency; experience developing organizational systems and leveraging technology to manage projects (G-Suite, MS Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Flexible and adaptable with a growth mindset
- High integrity and trustworthy
- Passionate, courteous, and ambitious
- Tenacious, resilient, strong work ethic
- Motivated self-starter, effective communicator, and collaborative team player
- Intellectually curious and innovative; highly analytical and strategic; can connect the dots
Important Notifications
In Person or Hybrid
Job Type: Part-time (5-10 hours per week with at least 5 hours in person required)
Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour (5-10 hours per week)
Required Education and Experience
Benefits:
- Employee discount; complimentary admission to many Boston museums and cultural arts attractions
- Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentorship with senior staff offering personalized career guidance and support
- Professional development and exclusive coaching in project management, arts administration, and community engagement
- Monday to Friday day shift with opportunities to support evening/weekend programming
- The intern would be a part of an inclusive team inviting innovative ideas and meaningful contributions. Inventive approaches and creativity are welcomed and can shape new strategies for BSO's education and external engagement efforts.
- This is a dynamic internship experience. The intern’s work will directly impact the community for meaningful, lasting change.
- Enjoy a flexible work environment that supports your academic commitments and personal growth!
Hours are determined by mutual consent between intern and supervisor.
The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
ADDENDUM
Boston Family Days FY27
- Thursday October 8th, 7:30pm Beethoven 7th
- Friday October 29th, 7:30pm, Dia de Muertos
- Saturday October 31st, 1:30pm, Disney’s Coco in-concert
- Tuesday, January 19th, 7:30pm, Tchaikovsky Symphonies 3 & 4
- Thursday, January 21st, 7:30pm, Tchaikovsky Symphonies 2 & 5
- Sunday, February 7th, 2pm, Lunar New Year
- Thursday, February 25th, 7:30pm, Stravinsky Ballets
- Friday, March 26th, 7:30pm, Concert for the City
- Saturday, March 27th, 1pm, Family Concert
- Sunday, April 4th , 2pm, Himari
- Saturday, April 10th, 12pm, BYSO Music and Magic
- Thursday April 22, 7:30pm, Dukas, Saint Saens, Ravel
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in good academic standing as a college sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student
- Experience with goal setting and strategic development
- Knowledge of classical music
- Understanding of project management, implementation, data collection and analysis methodologies, and KPIs
- Professional, honest, reliable, respectful, and responsive when working with diverse people and situations
- Strong problem-solving and judgment skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong written English grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, including proofreading, editing, and drafting correspondence
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Experience developing organizational systems and using G-Suite and Microsoft Office tools
- Flexible, adaptable, and growth-minded
- High integrity and trustworthy
- Passionate, courteous, ambitious, tenacious, resilient, and hardworking
- Motivated self-starter and collaborative team player
- Intellectually curious, innovative, analytical, and strategic
What We Do
Boston Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra and music presenter that performs in Boston and at Tanglewood, and reaches audiences through radio, television, online programming, recordings, and tours. It commissions works by contemporary composers, presents the Boston Pops and chamber music, and offers educational outreach, community programs, and training for young musicians. Its mission is to make music at the highest level and provide excellent performances and educational and training programs.
