MNHS Press Design Intern

Program (Check all that apply)

☑ College Intern               ☐ Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellow           ☐  Heritage Studies & Public History Intern

Position Title

MNHS Press Design Intern

Department

MNHS Press

Supervisor 

Design and Production Manager

Coordinator

Design and Production Manager

Semester

Spring Fall 2024 (September-December)

Hours Per Week

10 (two 5 hour shifts M-F between 9-5 ideal)

Status

Paid

# of Positions Available

2

Location

Minnesota History Center (345 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102)

Project Summary

The MNHS Press Design Intern will assist the publishing staff in the areas of print production, design, marketing, editorial and administration. We offer an exciting opportunity to work with staff willing to share their knowledge of the book industry, and also provide unique and independent projects. The intern will be working in an office environment with a mix of computer and non-computer related work.

Ideal Degrees

Graphic design, marketing, business, english, art, history or communications majors will be considered. Preference will be given to students with a design background.

Responsibilities

Marketing 

• Assist Marketing staff create print and digital book promotions.
• Design and layout academic print or electronic direct mailing pieces
• Provide assistance in delivering image files for publicity and online use
• Provide production and design assistance for press kits, etc.
• Website and blog design, including possible production of audio/video podcasts & book trailer

Editorial 

• Meet with the Editorial department to learn about department functions
• Conduct library and Internet research for potential books/anthologies/reprints
• Conduct photo and art research for covers and interiors, including permissions and ordering 
• Read trade journals and attend acquisitions meetings

Production 

• Meet with the Production Manager to learn about department functions and attend production meetings 
• Complete production and design work on print-on-demand titles and reprints, including reworking existing cover and text files 
• Provide production and design support for new titles, including possible cover and interior design. 

Administrative 

• Attend staff meetings; meet with the Press Director and other divisional staff to learn the business
• Production and design presentation assistance, including charts, graphs, and PowerPoint

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of graphic design and that field’s associated computer software (Adobe Creative Suite)
• General research & communication skills
• An interest in book design and production 
• Top notch organizational skills
• Aptitude/interest in social media/marketing
• Demonstrated ability to work independently  
• Experience with Microsoft Office and the Google software suite are also preferred

Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain

• Knowledge of the MNHS Press overall business, strategy, and function
• Experience in all aspects of working with the MHS Press
• Design samples for student portfolio

Additional Materials Required

Design samples

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, PDF copy of unofficial school transcripts, and any required additional materials to internships@mnhs.org. 

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference--we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our volunteers, interns, employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.