Student Trustee Intern, The House of the Seven Gables, (Salem, MA)

Posted September 22, 2025

Position Overview:

The Student Trustee Intern gains firsthand experience of the multifaceted work of public history and nonprofit leadership while serving the community. This position is open to any undergraduate or graduate student at a local college or university. This is a limited-term position, up to 10 months, with an hourly rate of $20 and a total maximum of 150 hours—approximately 3-4 hours per week. No academic credit will be received for this position.

In-person attendance at The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, MA is required for most of the work. This position has a flexible schedule, and the Student Trustee is expected to coordinate with the Executive Director to develop a schedule that accommodates their classwork and other responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions:

Serves on the Board of Trustees (Approximately 30 hours)

Attends and participates in 5 Board of Trustees meetings, held in the evening on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month in January, March, May, July, and September. Meetings will either be in-person at the House of the Seven Gables, or virtual via Zoom. Dates and times of the meetings are subject to change with notice.
Reads all provided materials in advance of each meeting and is familiar with the agenda and topics to be presented.
Articulates positions, issues, and perspectives gained from student coursework and experience.
Attends and volunteers at Gables events according to need and availability.

Serves on a Committee of the Board (Approximately 20 hours)

Attends 5 meetings of a chosen committee of the Board (Community Engagement, Development, Facilities, Finance, or Governance) held between September and June. Meetings are typically on a weekday evening via Zoom.
Reads all provided materials in advance of each meeting and is familiar with the agenda and topics to be presented.
Participates in required committee work as assigned by the Chair.

Assists with a Preservation & Maintenance Project (Approximately 20 hours)

Works under the guidance of the Director of Preservation & Maintenance on an ongoing project at The Gables. Examples of projects include assistance in the repair and maintenance of historic buildings, or assistance coordinating climate adaptation planning.

Assists with a Visitor Services Project (Approximately 20 hours)

Works under the guidance of the Director of Visitor Services & Public Programs on an ongoing project at The Gables. Examples of projects include assistance in planning a new specialty tour or serving as a classroom aide for a session of adult English or Citizenship classes.

Assists with a Development Project (Approximately 20 hours)

Works under the guidance of the Director of Development on an ongoing project at The Gables. Examples of projects include assistance in preparing a grant or assistance in the planning of a fundraiser event.

Completes & Presents an Independent Research Project (Approximately 40 hours):

Works with the President and the Executive Director to identify a topic of interest related to The Gables’ mission and operations. This may be a historical research project, a business plan for a new initiative, or a study and evaluation of an existing program.
Complete research independently and participate in regular check-ins with the Executive Director to seek guidance and assess progress.
Deliver a final report, article, or presentation by June. Depending on the project, this may be a presentation to the Board, a public program, or an article in The Gables newsletter.

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student at a local college or university. A concentration or major course of study in Museum Studies, Social Work, Political Science, Civic Engagement, History, Literature, or another related field is preferred.
Commitment to a full 10 months of service, from January 2026 through October 2026.
Availability to work nights and weekends.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Benefits

Mentorship from experienced board members and nonprofit executives.
Real-world governance and leadership experience for your resume.
Personal and professional growth in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
If you are ready to grow your skills and make a difference, apply today for our Part-Time Trustee Internship
Letter of recommendation and recognition upon successful completion of the internship.

How to Apply:

Submit a resume and a brief statement of interest describing your motivation for applying.
Selected candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with the board selection committee.
Final selections will be made based on fit, availability, and demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission.
To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume, and a letter of reference from a teacher or supervisor to Jackie Besse, Human Resources Manager, at [email protected].