Marketing & Public Relations Internship
FULL YEAR INTERNSHIP
Summer 2025 – Spring 2026 (~10 hours per week, $15 per hour)

The Des Moines Symphony seeks an energetic, motivated, and creative self-starter with strong organizational skills to serve as a full-year part-time intern. The Marketing Intern will be an integral part of the Des Moines Symphony’s Marketing Department for the 2025-26 season, working directly with the Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Marketing Manager, and the rest of the Symphony staff.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Event Planning & Management
    • Lead organization and execution of the annual “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” competition
    • Manage day-of and logistical details for the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops, Water Works Pops, and any additional summer concerts or events.
  • Season Marketing & Public Relations
    • Draft copy for event descriptions, marketing materials and press releases
    • Maintain and regularly update website and blog
    • Assist with social media and PR tasks in preparation for the Des Moines Symphony’s 2025-26 season
  • Season Renewals
    • Use PatronManager, DMSO’s customer database, to record subscription renewal campaign data and manage customer lists
    • Initiate follow-up phone calls and emails to patrons to assist with season renewals
  • Concert Prep and Promotion
    • Assist with advertising/promoting specific concerts and events throughout the season.
    • Build direct marketing emails via Mailchimp

Qualifications:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong eye for detail
  • Well-organized and able to work independently
  • Ability to meet deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent customer service skills via phone and email correspondence
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel, as well as various social media platforms
  • Interest in nonprofit work, music, and/or arts management

The Symphony’s Marketing Department is responsible for maintaining the Des Moines Symphony brand, providing customer service to Symphony patrons, expanding community outreach efforts, growing social media reach and managing all Des Moines Symphony & Academy public relations efforts. From day one, the Marketing Intern will receive hands-on experience related to nonprofit arts management, subscriber relations, event management, and season planning. 

The Marketing Intern position is a 10 hour/week commitment running 40 weeks covering the Des Moines Symphony 25-26 season from May/June 2025 – April/May 2026. This will be a hybrid position blending in-office and remote work. Specific work hours are flexible and can be tailored to your availability, class and holiday schedules. Additional hours may be required during performance weeks.

The position pays $15 per hour and may be used for college credit. Free downtown parking will be provided as needed.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing or portfolio sample to Angela Schwartz, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager, at angela@dmsymphony.org by Monday, March 31. Applications may be submitted after the deadline, but those received by March 31 will be prioritized.

The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 88th season in 2025-26, is Central Iowa’s largest and most active year-round professional performing arts producing organization. The mission of the Des Moines Symphony Association is to enrich, educate and inspire our community by performing great orchestral music.