Job Opening Title:
Intern, Oral History & Archives
Name of Employer:
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Job Site Location (City AND State):
New York, New York
Application Deadline:
September 2026
Minimum Degree Requirement:
some graduate
Years of experience required:
Salary Range:
$20
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
About Jazz at Lincoln Center:
The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a current undergraduate student, graduate student or recent graduate in Library Science, Oral History, History, or a related field to support the Jazz at Lincoln Center Archives team. This internship offers hands-on experience in archival digitization, oral history research, metadata management, and audiovisual documentation within a nonprofit arts organization.
The intern will assist with digitization projects, oral history interview preparation, metadata entry and cataloging, archival research, and audiovisual setup for recordings. By the end of the internship, the intern will gain practical experience with archival workflows, oral history project coordination, and digital asset management practices in a professional archive setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with digitization of printed archival materials and photographs using Epson flatbed scanners
Support all phases of the Oral History Project, including research and interview preparation
Set up audiovisual equipment for oral history interviews and recordings
Enter metadata and catalog newly created oral history files and archival assets
Conduct archival and historical research related to oral history initiatives
Assist with organizing and maintaining digital archive records and materials
Fulfill tasks assigned by a supervisor
Make recommendations for process improvements
Perform administrative duties as needed
Qualifications:
Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to perform focused and repetitive tasks with accuracy
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate degree program in Library Science, Oral History, History, Archival Studies, or related fields
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous oral history or archival research experience
Previous scanning and digitization experience
Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or video editing software
Experience with ArchivesSpace
Previous experience in an educational or music-focused environment
Knowledge of jazz history
What We Offer:
Hands-on experience in a non-profit, arts, and educational organization
Technical skills related to the industry
Mentorship from experienced staff and educators
A supportive and dynamic work environment
Opportunity for continued project involvement or internship extension based on departmental needs
Schedule & Commitment
Hours: 15 to 20 hours per week
Duration: 3-month internship with the possibility for extension
Flexibility: Interns will collaborate with their supervisor to establish a schedule that balances departmental needs with their personal or academic calendar
Location: This is a fully in-person role. Staff work on-site at either Jazz at Lincoln Center’s administrative offices (3 Columbus Circle) in New York City.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.