Description

History of Diving Museum Mission Statement

The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs and oral history relative to the History of Diving. We tell the international story of the attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this untold story.

Museum Fellowship Summary

Our museum fellowship provides an opportunity for early-career professionals or recent graduates to gain practical experience and training within a museum setting. The fellowship program is an advanced internship that includes an overview working with collections, programming and visitor services with focus on specific projects in each department. It may also be tailored to support the individual’s main area of interest within the museum field.  

 HDM is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Fellow. As part of a small and collaborative team, fellows gain meaningful hands-on experience across communications, collections management, membership engagement, event production, and public outreach. The fellow will work with the Executive Director to focus on specific projects for the year term based off the fellow’s skill set and Museum’s needs. 

Because HDM is a small organization, interns work directly with senior staff and contribute to projects that have a visible impact on the museums success. The ideal candidate is a quick learner with strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. 

The candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and some holidays as well as make a 12-month commitment, with a potential opportunity to transition into the department lead. Compensation is paid bi-weekly with potential housing for fellow if needed. Our location in the beautiful Florida Keys is in close proximity to many historic sites, cultural institutions, and a wide variety of recreational activities, providing the individual with the opportunity for a fun, exciting, educational and well-rounded life experience.

What You'll Gain
This internship offers an opportunity to:

• Gain firsthand experience working at an internationally recognized nonprofit organization.
• Develop practical skills in nonprofit operations, membership administration, governance, and event management.
• Work behind the scenes on the planning and development of two annual Featured Exhibits. 
• Receive mentorship while building transferable professional skills applicable across the nonprofit, arts, and cultural sectors. 

Work Environment & Expectations

• This internship is primarily location-based (9:30am-5:30pm) and may require occasional attendance at HDM programs and events. The role may involve standing for extended periods during events and lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 60 pounds (the weight of a helmet/artifact)
• Occasional evening, weekend, and extended hours will be required
• This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. HDM reserves the right to modify this position description at any time to meet organizational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The History of Diving Museum (HDM) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote qualified individuals based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. HDM provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and academic disciplines to apply. Candidates with an interest in the diving, nonprofit organizations, communications, and museum studies are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

To Apply: Use the AAM Job board or send a PDF of your Cover Letter detailing how the fellowship would advance your career as well as benefit the Museum, Resume, and three professional references to director@divingmuseum.org with "Fellowship Application" in the subject line. In person solicitations will not be accepted. 

 Applications will be reviewed (and scanned for use of AI) on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities 
These include, but are not limited to:

Events & Programming

• Assist with multi-generational Programming/Outreach: assist with planning, set up/breakdown and execution of event such as Featured Exhibit openings, monthly Immerse Yourself series and group tours  
• Contribute to media outreach and e-blast/newsletter
• Help prepare press releases, advertising, blog posts, and marketing materials to promote activities including (but not limited to) exhibits, events, and outreach  

Organizational Support

• Open and close of Museum Store and exhibits on scheduled workdays, answer telephones, inquiries and respond to correspondence as needed
• Contribute to the cleanliness of Museum Store, Exhibits, and overall Museum Facility.  
• Assist with Retail and Visitor Services – learn POS (Lightspeed) to process admissions, sales, donations and memberships. Greet and assist museum visitors.
• Assist with Collections – learn PastPerfect Database, audit collections storage, weekly deep cleaning of exhibits, learn and interact with material within exhibit space

Qualifications & Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent organizational, time management and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Canva, ConstantContact, PastPerfect, and database systems.
• Comfort working with administrative records, spreadsheets, and document management.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Previous non-profit or cultural institution experience is highly preferred but not required.