Public Gardens Operations & Leadership Intern

Summer 2025 Internship Opportunity

About the Position

The Public Gardens Operations & Leadership Internship at Mt. Cuba Center offers a unique opportunity for college students to gain comprehensive exposure to public garden operations through immersive experiences across key departments. Based primarily within Human Resources and Marketing & Communications, the intern will develop a holistic understanding of how various operational departments collaborate to fulfill Mt. Cuba Center's mission. Through rotational experiences across HR, Marketing & Communications, Facilities, Finance, and Security, the intern will gain invaluable insight into the complexities of public garden management and leadership while contributing to meaningful cross-departmental projects.

Essential Functions of the Role

This dynamic internship provides hands-on experience across multiple operational departments at Mt. Cuba Center. The intern will rotate through key administrative and operational areas while contributing to cross-departmental initiatives.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Support internal communications and administrative projects that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Assist with marketing initiatives including social media, website updates, and visitor communications
• Participate in facilities inspections and basic operations management activities

Through departmental rotations, the intern will gain exposure to:

• Human Resources processes and documentation
• Financial reporting and budget tracking
• Security operations and visitor services
• Facilities maintenance and project planning

The intern will have opportunities to develop practical skills in public garden administration while working on meaningful projects that contribute to Mt. Cuba Center's mission and goals.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Minimum one year of college completed
• Current enrollment in Business Administration, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in one or more of the following areas: human resources, marketing, finance, facilities management, or security operations
• Demonstrated interest in public gardens, museums, or other cultural institutions
• Experience with project coordination or event planning
• Basic understanding of business operations and organizational systems

Learning Outcomes

Interns will develop:

• Understanding of public garden organizational structure and operations
• Project management skills through cross-departmental initiatives
• Professional communication and collaboration abilities
• Experience in HR practices and internal communications
• Marketing and social media management skills
• Knowledge of facilities, security, and finance basics in a public garden context
• Leadership skills through project ownership
• Network of professional contacts across departments
• Understanding of non-profit administration and governance
  

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation: $16.00 per hour
• Duration: May 19 through August 29, 2025
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time
• Housing is not provided

Interview & Hiring Process

We require the following in order to consider your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter [required]

If you progress through additional stages in the hiring process you can expect to:

• Complete the online position questionnaire
• Complete a virtual screening interview
• Participate in a final interview with the Hiring Manager and interview panel

Please note: All applications will be reviewed by our team, and all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Due to capacity constraints on our hiring team, we are unable to provide you with a specific status update beyond these parameters.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Application review begins: Week of January 13, 2025
• Application deadline: January 24, 2025
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2025

Commitment to Diversity

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.