FINANCE & OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE INTERNSHIP AT KST
At Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST), we are committed to creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. We achieve this through quality programming that centers artists and community.
The Finance & Operations Associate Intern role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit finance and administration, with exposure to payroll, accounts receivable and payable, credit card reconciliation, budgeting, grant reporting, and data systems management. This is an opportunity to build practical skills in the systems and structures that support mission-driven work, while contributing to the organization’s day-to-day operations.
The impact of your work directly supports KST’s ability to serve nearly 20,000 patrons annually, create opportunities for more than 200 local and national artists, and incubate emerging organizations led by people of color. Through this role, you will gain experience in financial and operational practices that sustain a dynamic nonprofit arts organization.
CLASSIFICATION: Unpaid Internship
REPORTS TO: Director of Advancement
DIRECT REPORTS: None
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
This internship is unpaid through Kelly Strayhorn Theater; however, we welcome partnerships with
colleges and universities that provide work-study funding, academic credit, stipends, or other student support opportunities.
This is an in-person position based at KST’s Alloy Studios in East Liberty. Typical office hours are weekdays between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. We will work collaboratively to establish a consistent weekly schedule that aligns with the student’s academic requirements and availability. Typical internship commitments range from approximately 12–35 hours per week depending on program requirements or funding structures.
KEY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support accounts payable processing, including vendor invoices, staff reimbursements, and credit card receipts, with accurate categorization and recordkeeping.
- Analyze rental event performance, identifying areas for improvement and success.
- Help manage cash banks and assist with weekly bank deposits.
- Support Development team with financial reports for grant reports as well as special event analytics.
KEY HUMAN RESOURCES RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Finance & Operations Manager in preparing onboarding documentation for new hires, including benefits administration
- Review and organize personnel and contractor files, maintaining confidentiality and compliance
OTHER OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / SPECIAL PROJECTS
- Support with general office management: assist with digital and physical file maintenance, and organizing storage of historic data.
- As appropriate, assist other departments and work as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of Kelly Strayhorn Theater
- Conduct year-over-year data analysis of KST Presents performances and audience analytics
- Other duties/projects as assigned
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Mac Systems and willingness to learn new job-specific applications such as Salesforce, Quickbooks, and Monday.com
- Experience in processing accounts payable and receivable and understanding of basic financial principles including knowledge of how to handle cash and checks, reconcile accounts, and maintain accurate records
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and the willingness to prioritize and foster a commitment to valuing differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances
- Highly motivated, self-starter with strong organizational skills and ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
- Process-oriented with exceptional abilities in attention to detail, accuracy, organizing, time management, managing multiple tasks, setting priorities
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
TO APPLY
Now accepting applications for Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 opportunities.
Skills Required
- Excellent written and oral communications skills
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Mac Systems
- Experience in processing accounts payable and receivable
- Understanding of basic financial principles
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
What We Do
Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people, fostering bold and innovative artistry with a global perspective.
