Employment & Internships

Work at the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust provides employees and interns with enriching opportunities to learn about, foster appreciation for and help preserve Wright’s art and architecture.

Positions may be located at one of four sites: the Preservation Trust's administrative offices in Oak Park, Illinois; Wright’s Oak Park Home and Studio; the Robie House on the University of Chicago campus; or the Merchandise Distribution Center in Oak Park. All locations are smoke-free and drug-free environments. Though its multi-story historic buildings are not accessible to those with mobility impairments, the Preservation Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.

Internships are available year-round. Though generally unpaid, all such jobs meet the requirements for university credit.

When applying for either an internship or paid employment, please identify the position you are seeking. All correspondence should be directed to the human resources department. Applicants are screened by human resources and resumes of qualified candidates are referred to individual departments.

To apply:
All position announcements include specific application procedures which should be followed. Refer to individual position announcement for specific instructions.

Following is a list of our current openings:

Position Summary:
The position supports the operations of computers, printers, internet connections, email, and other technology and acts as an assistant to the fulltime IT Support Technician

The intern will have the opportunity to serve as a member of an IT team of staff and consultants, to implement a new multi-faceted IT initiative and work plan.

Work is conducted at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and two administrative center locations in Oak Park, IL, and the Frederick C. Robie House in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL.

The ideal candidate is a Computer Science undergraduate student or a college student in an IT-related field of study with a strong interest in desk top support, systems administration and networking.

IT INTERN

Reports to: IT Support Technician

Systems Administration Responsibilities:

  • Assisting the IT support technician in providing help desk support, network support, and troubleshooting assistance for workstations. Set-up, troubleshoot, and assist with office workstations
  • Assist with server maintenance and deployment tasks
  • Install and troubleshoot software and hardware issues
  • Monitor daily back-ups of the internal file server and web server
  • Peripheral device set-up for staff
  • Provide administrative support, maintaining inventory, files, soliciting bids from vendors, etc.
  • Provide staff support and logistical assistance at organizational events.
  • Attend staff and/or department staff meetings to assess IT needs.
  • Perform other support or administrative duties as assigned.

Necessary Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2000
  • Basic understanding of networking principles and protocols
  • Attention to details, strong written and verbal communication skills
  • General experience with setting up computers and peripheral devices
  • User-centric approach to technical support. Flexibility and patience with different IT skill levels among end users.
  • Ability to manage time and work independently. Ability to perform occasional off-hours and weekend maintenance. 
  • Valid driver’s license; access to automobile required. Regular travel to three locations necessary.

Hours per Week:  15 hours per week minimum, 20 hours ideal; must be available to work between 8:30am-5pm. Occasional Saturdays might be required.

Wage: $7.75
.

ENVIRONMENT:
Multi-level work area; museum buildings and administrative offices not accessible to the mobility impaired. Position requires frequent and regular computer and phone use. Frequently moves equipment and property weighing 25 to 50 pounds. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment. Equal opportunity employer.
     
TO APPLY:
Applications must include cover letter and resume with IT courses studied, listing any certifications. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only materials sent by email will be accepted at apply@gowright.org. Indicate “IT Intern” in the subject line of the email. Position begins as soon as possible. No phone calls please.

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DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Reports to: Development Manager

WORK SUMMARY: 
Duties will vary according to the needs of the Development department and the abilities and objectives of the intern. These may include mailings, data entry, assistance with organizational events, and online research.

Requirements:  Commitment to 10 weeks with a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week of service, with days and times to be scheduled as needed.

BENEFITS OF THE INTERNSHIP: This internship provides the opportunity to learn many aspects of development including:  

  • prospect research
  • grant writing
  • donor cultivation
  • corporate sponsorships
  • event management
  • fundraising administration 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide administrative and research support as needed to the development department in the areas of individual, major gift, foundation, government, and corporate giving
  • Support donor cultivation activities
  • Assist with membership mailings and annual appeal letters, including preparation and tracking
  • Provide support to all development team members as requested
  • Other duties and projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Basic computer literacy and experience with all Microsoft Office applications
  • Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Must be highly organized and detail oriented
  • Ability to demonstrate initiative
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Past fundraising or nonprofit experience a plus but not necessary

ENVIRONMENT:
Multi-level work area: museum building and administrative offices not accessible to the physically impaired. Position requires frequent and regular computer and phone use, and daily exposure to outside weather conditions. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment. Equal opportunity employer.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS/INSTRUCTION:
Travel to off-site locations may be necessary. Interns are advised of OSHA standards through required signage and administrative updates compliant with federal and state law.

DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Position begins ASAP

TO APPLY
Email resume and cover letter to apply@gowright.org  reference
Development Intern in subject line

NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED

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INTERDISCIPLINARY INTERN


Unpaid intern placements are available year-round, so applications are accepted on an on-going basis. Interdisciplinary interns are assigned multiple and varying duties related to the ongoing operations of three or more departments; these may include, but are not limited to, tours, education, marketing and communications, administration, volunteer services, and membership. Duties will vary according to the season of the year, the number of interns on staff, the organization's goals and objectives for that period, and the abilities and objectives of the intern.

Interns may be assigned special and/or independent projects based in one department.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Basic computer literacy and ability to learn and work in commonly-used software programs. Interest in and aptitude for customer service and public relations; ability to interact in a welcoming and helpful manner with visitors of all ages, ability levels and ethnic backgrounds. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Interdisciplinary interns are asked for a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for 8weeks. Days and times are scheduled as needed.  

TO APPLY:
Send resume with cover letter to apply@gowright.org. Letter must indicate (a)proposed starting/ending dates of the internship, (b)days the applicant would be available each week, (c)approximate total hours the applicant plans to spend at the internship, (d)whether academic credit is being sought, and (e) required or preferred assignments, if any.

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