Operations & Administration Intern

Organization: ADAA (Art Dealers Association of America)

Website: http://artdealers.org 

Status: Temporary, Part-Time, Paid Internship

Location: New York, NY (In Person)

Schedule: Approximately 15-20 hours per week (schedule to be determined)

Compensation: $18 per hour

Internship Term: August - December, 2026 (exact start date to be determined)

Education: Current undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate in arts administration, nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, museum studies, communications, or a related field.

About ADAA

The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit membership organization representing many of the nation's leading fine art galleries. Since 1962, ADAA has supported the economic and cultural contributions of its members while advancing scholarship, connoisseurship, and public engagement with the visual arts.

ADAA also organizes the ADAA Fair, one of the country's premier art fairs, held annually at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The Fair brings together leading galleries to present thoughtfully curated exhibitions of historical and contemporary art while supporting the broader cultural community. 

As part of a small and collaborative team, interns gain meaningful, hands-on experience across communications, digital marketing, membership engagement, event production, and public outreach. Working behind the scenes at one of the nation's longest-running fine art fairs, interns contribute to exhibitor relations, marketing initiatives, member programming, public events, and ADAA's institutional archive while developing practical skills applicable to careers in galleries, museums, nonprofit arts organizations, and the broader cultural sector.

Because ADAA is a small organization, interns work directly with senior staff and contribute to projects that have a visible impact on the Association's membership, programming, and annual Fair. The ideal candidate is a quick learner with excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. Previous administrative and/or editorial experience, familiarity with contemporary art, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are preferred.

This internship is paid hourly. The schedule is flexible, but interns are expected to work a minimum of two days per week, as well as be fully available on the days the ADAA Fair is running in the fall.

Position Summary

ADAA is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Operations & Administration Intern to support the day-to-day operations of the organization. The intern will gain firsthand experience in the operations of a national membership organization while supporting member services, governance, foundation initiatives, and one of New York's leading annual art fairs.

Reporting to the Administrative Coordinator, the intern will collaborate with staff across membership, communications, programming, and executive leadership on a wide range of organizational initiatives. The intern will assist with a variety of administrative and organizational projects that support both the Association and the ADAA Foundation. This position is well suited for students interested in nonprofit management, arts administration, business administration, museum studies, public administration, or communications.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited to:

Office Operations & Administration

• Assist with the day-to-day administrative operations of the ADAA office.
• Maintain physical and digital filing systems for ADAA and the ADAA Foundation.
• Assist with preparing materials for Board, committee, and membership meetings in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Assist with office projects and general administrative support as assigned.

Membership & Database Management

• Assist in maintaining ADAA's membership database and organizational records.
• Review, update, and maintain member records to ensure the accuracy of organizational databases.
• Support updates to historical records, including Board and Committee rosters and organizational archives.
• Help organize and maintain ADAA's institutional archive.

Foundation & Research

• Conduct research on prospective organizations for ADAA Foundation grant eligibility.
• Assist with maintaining Foundation grant files and grantee records.
• Research and compile updates on current and past Foundation grantees.
• Assist with maintaining grant documentation and institutional records.
• Support administrative preparation for Foundation meetings and grantmaking activities.

Events & Programming

• Assist with the planning and production of ADAA programs, including Gallery Walks, member events, webinars, and the ADAA Fair.
• Assist with VIP registration, guest services, and event logistics during ADAA programs.
• Provide administrative support for event registration, guest management, and logistical coordination.
• Assist with exhibitor communications and operational preparations leading up to the ADAA Fair.
• Support ADAA staff onsite during the ADAA Fair and other organizational events.

Organizational Support

• Review organizational information for accuracy.
• Proofread internal documents.
• Support cross-departmental projects.
• Assist with special initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Availability to work approximately 16-20 hours per week from August through December 2026, including full availability during the ADAA Fair, November 12-16, 2026.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and database systems.
• Comfort working with administrative records, spreadsheets, and document management.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Interest in nonprofit management, arts administration, museums, galleries, or cultural organizations.
• Previous administrative, office, or customer service experience is preferred but not required.

What You'll Gain

This internship offers an opportunity to:

• Gain firsthand experience working at a nationally recognized nonprofit arts organization.
• Develop practical skills in nonprofit operations, membership administration, governance, and event management.
• Learn how a national nonprofit membership association and charitable foundation are managed and governed.
• Work behind the scenes on the planning and production of one of New York's premier annual art fairs.
• Receive mentorship while building transferable professional skills applicable across the nonprofit, arts, and cultural sectors.

Work Environment & Expectations

• This internship is primarily office-based (Monday - Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm) and may require occasional attendance at ADAA programs and events. The role may involve standing for extended periods during events and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and extended hours will be required during the ADAA Fair and for select special events.
• This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. ADAA reserves the right to modify this position description at any time to meet organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote qualified individuals based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. ADAA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and academic disciplines to apply. Candidates with an interest in the visual arts, nonprofit organizations, communications, and digital storytelling are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

To Apply: Please send a PDF of your Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected] with "Operations & Administration Intern Application" in the subject line. In person solicitations will not be accepted. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

How to Apply

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

To Apply: Please send a PDF of your Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected] with "Operations & Administration Intern Application" in the subject line. In person solicitations will not be accepted. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.