Description
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts seeks an Operations Intern to support the Operations Department with Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology functions through project-based work that strengthens internal systems, documentation, and decision-making. This internship is designed to provide hands-on exposure to nonprofit operations while building practical skills in financial analysis, HR processes, internal communications, and systems thinking. This internship reports to the Operations Manager while also regularly engaging with other departments.
Responsibilities
Provide occasional front desk coverage during regular business hours to gain experience with visitor services, internal communications, and day-to-day nonprofit operations
Assist with the logistical preparation and on-site support of public programs, openings, and special events
Observe and support coordination between operations, programs, and facilities staff during events to better understand real-time organizational workflows
Participate in post-event documentation or reflection to help identify opportunities for operational improvement
Event and front desk support will be scheduled in advance and balanced with project-based responsibilities to ensure the internship remains a learning-focused experience
Assist with budget-to-actual review preparation by pulling reports from Quickbooks and flagging variances
Help document core financial workflows (e.g., invoice processing, expense tracking)
Support program or grant cost tracking through organization and analysis
Create or refine Excel templates for internal financial tracking
Assist with recruitment and onboarding process improvement
Review and organize HR documentation and policies
Research best practices related to employee engagement, benefits communication, and DEI
Support internal communications and staff-facing resources
Create or update internal IT documentation and user guides
Assist with software inventory and license tracking
Gather staff feedback on systems usability and technology needs
Research tools or workflows that improve operational efficiency
Support one or more defined operations projects with clear deliverables
Prepare summaries, recommendations, or presentations for leadership review
Assist with documenting safety procedures or emergency protocols
Support sustainability or resource efficiency research projects
Financial postings or approvals
Independent decision making authority
Confidential HR actions without supervision
After-hours work without prior agreement
Requirements
Current undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate) in business, nonprofit management, finance, HR, public administration, or related field
Strong organizational and communication skills
Comfort with Excel and basic data analysis
Interest in nonprofit operations and systems improvement
Ability to handle information with discretion and professionalism
A successful criminal background check
What You'll Gain
Hands-on experience with nonprofit financial systems
Understanding how HR policies, onboarding, and internal communications support organizational culture
Learn how IT systems and documentation support staff efficiency and data security
Develop skills in process documentation, analysis, and presenting recommendations
Mentorship from experienced operations staff via regularly scheduled meetings with the Operations Manager, ownership of projects that allow for skill development, open communication, career development support, and feedback
Time Commitment
This internship will last about 12 weeks and will require a commitment of 10 hours per week (M-F between 9am-5pm) with the opportunity to support a limited number of evening or weekend events by mutual agreement.
Compensation
This is an unpaid internship designed as an educational and experiential learning opportunity. Academic credit may be available, depending on the intern’s institution and program requirements.
Equity + Access Statement
Bemis Center is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse lived experiences, including those who may not have had prior access to nonprofit or arts administration roles. This internship is designed as a learning opportunity, and training and support will be provided.
How to apply
After completing the application via the link below, email your resume to Abby Fogle-Fogle at abby@bemiscenter.org and include "Operations Internship Application" in the subject line.
Resumes submitted without the application form will not be considered.
Please apply by April 24 for the Summer 2026 session.
GET MORE ART IN YOUR INBOX
Contemporary Arts
724 S. 12th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.341.7130
info@bemiscenter.org