2026-2027 CMS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The College Music Society is dedicated to the advancement of music teaching, learning, scholarship, performance, and creative activity. Rooted in higher education, CMS serves as an inclusive forum for dialogue and collaboration among music professionals across all disciplines and career paths. We support faculty, students, independent scholars, and industry partners by fostering innovation, promoting diversity, and encouraging the exchange of ideas to shape the future of music in society. Through advocacy, professional development, and community engagement, CMS empowers its members to lead and inspire in academic, artistic, and entrepreneurial contexts.
Position: CMS Administrative Intern
Location: Remote (with onsite event attendance during the 2026 CMS National Conference)
Duration: June 2026–May 2027 (Flexible)
Hours: 10-15 hours per week
Compensation: $17/hour
Internship Overview:
The College Music Society is excited to announce the opening of a paid Administrative Internship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This internship aims to provide arts administration experience and professional development opportunities to a current student or recent graduate in music, arts administration, or a related field.
This internship is entirely remote, with the exception of onsite engagement at the 2026 CMS National Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, in November 2026. The suggested start date is June 1, 2026, but can be flexible according to the needs of the successful candidate.
Key Responsibilities:
- CMS Conference Assistance: Support the CMS Director of Professional Activities in organizing National, Chapter, and International conferences. Tasks include program support, logistics coordination, communication with registrants, and on-site assistance during the National Conference. The CMS Administrative Intern should plan to join CMS in person for the 2026 CMS National Conference in Grand Rapids, MI (11/12–11/14). Expenses related to travel and accommodations for the conference will be covered by CMS.
- Social Media and Operations Coordination: Work directly with the CMS Director of Operations to create social media content across platforms, contributing to the Society’s digital presence. Additional administrative and operational tasks will be assigned on an as-needed basis in alignment with the intern’s professional development goals.
- Digital Publishing Support: Collaborate with the CMS Web Specialist and CMS Symposium Editor to compile and publish the College Music Symposium, CMS’s digital, peer-reviewed academic research journal.
Professional Development Opportunities:
- Gain firsthand insights into the workings of an international membership organization with a focus on music in higher education
- Interface and network with music faculty and students from across the country and internationally
- Assist in the development, planning, and implementation of professional conferences and professional development events
- Engage and collaborate with CMS elected and appointed leadership and gain an understanding of organizational strategic goals
Qualifications of successful candidates:
- Must be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a music, arts administration, or related program
- Interest in and knowledge of the music field, including familiarity with current trends in academic music, music performance, and/or music research
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote environment
- Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, including staff colleagues, elected leadership, and CMS members
Reporting:
The Administrative Intern will report directly to the Director of Operations but will interface with all members of the CMS Staff (Executive Director, Director of Professional Activities, Web Specialist, Director of Membership, and Director of Information Technology)
Application Process:
To apply, please complete an application via Submittable.
The Submittable portal will require candidates to submit the following materials:
- A cover letter that highlights your interest in and preparation for the internship
- Resume/CV
- (2) professional references
Please do not submit any application materials through means other than the Submittable job portal linked below.
Timeline: Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm MT.
Questions? Please reach out to Jeffrey Loeffert at [email protected] or call (406) 721-9616, and we’ll be happy to help.
