2026-26 Public Programs Internship 

Application Deadline: 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 19th. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.  

Questions: Email intern@thevalentine.org or call (804) 649-0711 ext. 351 

Position Description: 

The Education & Engagement department is seeking an intern to assist with the planning and execution of public programs for the 2026-27 academic year. In particular, the intern will work closely with the Adult Programs & Tours Manager to assist with the execution and promotion of the Valentine’s community conversation series, Controversy/History. 

Candidates should have foundational knowledge of Richmond history and politics, excellent research skills  including experience with primary source material, and strong written and oral communication skills. The intern will complete background research on event topics, engage with community partners, and assist with preparing  presentations and collecting feedback. Familiarity with local government and public policy is a plus, as is  experience with data analysis, local journalism, and event planning.  

The goal of the Controversy/History series is to provide a forum for exploring the challenges that impact the Richmond community, sharing historical context as well as quantitative data and encouraging participant involvement in shaping the region’s future. 

Duties Include: 

∙ Primary and secondary source research on each community conversation topic 

∙ Developing a slide deck for presentation at each event 

∙ Communication with panelists and partners 

∙ Drafting a run of show and opening remarks for each event 

∙ Assisting with background research for panelist questions 

∙ Developing a creative plan for promotion of Controversy/History events to new audiences via fliers, social media content, meetings with partners, and targeted outreach via email. 

∙ Providing logistical support at events including set up, breakdown, helping with check-in

∙ Gathering feedback from event participants 

∙ Assist with administrative tasks as needed 

∙ Attending and participating in occasional planning meetings  

Preferred qualifications: Candidates should be graduate level or upper-level undergraduates (Junior/ Senior) currently pursuing a degree in History, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, Communication or a related field. Students from all majors and levels are encouraged to apply. Strong written and verbal communication skills required.  

Wage & Hours: Grant funded stipend available in the amount of $2,000.00. Flexible Schedule, approximately 10 hours per week. Internship runs from September 2026 through March 2027. Availability for one Thursday  evening per month is required to support the execution of Controversy History. 

Disclaimer: The Valentine museum is located in downtown Richmond and due to the nature of our location, we are unable to provide guaranteed parking for our interns. Staff and Interns are encouraged to use public transportation or park in the MCV Adult Outpatient parking deck located at 516 N 11th Street.  

Application Details: Please apply by filling out the application form on our website. Online application form can be found at the following link: https://thevalentine.org/get-involved/interns-fellows/

The mission of the Valentine is to engage, educate, and challenge a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, and interpreting Richmond’s history.