Human Resources Intern (UNPAID)

The Strong owns and cares for the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, board games, video games, books, documents, and other historical materials related to play, and offers programs for individuals of all ages to learn about the power and importance of play in their lives. The museum’s internship program provides opportunities for participating in all aspects of museum work within dynamic teams and interacting with staff across the institution and the public . The program offers an educational and operational experience, as well as the opportunity to build a network of professional contacts.

As a member of the People and Culture team, the HR Intern will support day-to-day HR operations while gaining practical experience in recruitment, onboarding, employee records, compliance, and employee engagement. This role will assist with organizing personnel documentation, drafting and updating job descriptions, compiling exit interview information, utilizing HR software systems, and contributing to meaningful HR projects that support employees and advance the museum’s mission.

Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

Through structures mentorship and hands-on project work, the HR Intern will:

• Gain working knowledge of fundamental HR operations, employment practices, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) including the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

• Develop professional skills in business communication, talent acquisition coordination, records management, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Understand the importance of HR compliance, data privacy, and workplace confidentiality in a museum setting.

All museum staff and interns are expected to cooperate with one another in furthering the museum’s general objectives and in completing museum projects. Similarly, all staff and interns consistently maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, act with integrity, and in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and demonstrate loyalty to the museum in all public contacts. Guests and colleagues deserve our best efforts every day.

Essential Functions:

The specifications described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist with organizing, filing, and maintaining Human Resources records and documentation in accordance with strict confidentiality requirements.

• Draft, review, and update job descriptions, HR forms, onboarding templates, and employee communications.

• Support recruitment activities, including preparing job postings, organizing applicant tracking materials, and assisting with interview coordination.

• Support employee engagement initiatives, staff appreciation events, wellness activities, and internal communications.

• Assist with the onboarding and offboarding processes, including compiling exit interview feedback and preparing welcome materials.

• Conduct research on People and Culture and Human Resources best practices, emerging compliance topics, and workplace initiatives as assigned.

• Develop a system to track professional development activities for newly hired and newly promoted supervisors and managers.

• Attend Human Resources team meetings and contribute to additional HR initiatives and museum projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program majoring in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Communication, or a related field (recent graduates will also be considered).

• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional demeanor and high level of discretion regarding sensitive and confidential information.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable learning new digital tools (e.g., ADP)

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

• Alignment with The Strong’s core values and a passion for the museum’s mission.

Application Requirements:

Please ensure that you attach your Resume and provide a Cover Letter detailing what you hope to get out of this internship, what learning objectives you would like to achieve and how you believe your contributions will support The Strong's mission and goals.

Work Environment:

Work is performed indoors in a professional office environment and throughout museum spaces as needed. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers. The noise level in the environment is typically low to moderate but may be higher in public museum areas.

Physical Demands:

This position regularly requires the ability to work in various positions, including standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time; the use or operation of objects, tools, or controls; and the ability to talk and hear. This position requires frequent sitting in front of a computer and using repetitive typing motions.

Visual acuity to see object details at close range and operate computer equipment is required. Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are important for this role.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Must consent to and pass a drug screen and criminal background check as conditions of the internship.

Disclaimer:

The position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the intern. Within reason, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Interns are expected to accept reasonable assignments whether they are specifically included in this position description.

Working at The Strong

At The Strong, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel creativity, innovation, and play. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Strong is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Strong to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic information, criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, advancement, compensation, benefits, layoff, recall, transfer, and termination.