Rights and Permissions Research Undergraduate Intern – Spring 2027 at Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Rights and Permissions Research Undergraduate Intern - Spring 2027 Imaging & Licensing (Registration & Collections) The Imaging and Licensing division of the Registration and Collections department is primarily responsible for managing the Museum’s digital and analog photographic archive collection of objects, events, galleries, and people relating to the Museum. The Rights and Permissions Research Intern will research and communicate with individual and corporate rights holders for works in the collections. This work is critical not only to Imaging and Licensing, but also to the daily operations and success of several other departments, including Marketing and Communications, Exhibitions and Publications, and Audience Experience and Engagement. Rights and permissions research directly supports the Museum’s mission to provide broad access to its vast collection of visual resources while respecting the rights of artists. Supervised by the Coordinator of Rights and Permissions, the intern will learn intellectual property fundamentals related to the reproduction of visual works; understand moral rights as they pertain to artists and their works; and gain substantial experience in the researching and due diligence recording of research relating to the rights and reproductions management of an extensive photographic archive. The intern will also have the opportunity to develop and complete a project suitable for a professional portfolio while also supporting daily operations. Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours weekly, within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, between January 22, 2027, and May 7, 2027. Additionally, intern must attend orientation on Friday, January 22 (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses, 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings. As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program. Essential Functions: Conduct research to identify and locate rights holders. Follow up with outstanding permission requests. Generate permission letters for signature. Correspond with rights holders when instructed. Enter copyright information into the appropriate database records. Accurately record work and ongoing research and produce thoughtful and well-researched due diligence reports. Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course. Requirements and Qualifications: Enrolled in an undergraduate program during internship period at an accredited institution of higher learning pursuing a career in museums, copyright law, or associated field. Competent with and interest in research using physical records and on the web. Previous museum experience desirable. Attention to detail. Facility with Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Sheets, Adobe Acrobat, and database programs. (Training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided.) Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records. Ability to commit to work onsite 10-12 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters) between January 22, 2027, and May 7, 2027. Additionally, intern must attend orientation on Friday, January 22 (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses, 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, 10am-3:30pm. How to Apply: Do NOT include any document (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations) that is not specifically requested in the description. DO NOT INCLUDE your photo in your resume or cover letter. Explicitly follow these instructions as printed. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following: the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application) how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship. any periods when you are not available for an interview. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone Save your document file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2027 Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 4, 2026. (Do not upload separate cover letter.) Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. Direct any/all questions to intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. **Applications not aligning with these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.