DALE Internship Program: CMS-D Leadership & Administration Intern

Position Title
DALE Internship Program: CMS-D Leadership & Administration Intern

Employer
MSU College of Music

Overview
This funded internship is part of the DALE Internship Program, a partnership between the MSU College of Music Running Start Office and the MSU Community Music School–Detroit (CMS-D). This internship program is generously sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU). It offers current music majors the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit arts leadership, operations, and community engagement.

Note: This internship is only open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in the College of Music. Reliable transportation to Detroit is required.

Description
Students will make multiple Saturday visits (6–10) to CMS-D throughout the semester to work with executive administrative leader Paola Smith on ongoing projects, partnership and community events, and daily operations. Additionally, students will learn about the leadership and business side of running a community music school through weekly 1-hour Zoom meetings with CMS-D administrators and Paola Smith.

Key Responsibilities

• Support ongoing administrative projects, partnerships, and community events at CMS-D
• Assist with daily operational tasks under the supervision of CMS-D leadership
• Participate in weekly 1-hour virtual meetings focused on strategic leadership and organizational development
• Engage with CMS-D students, families, faculty, and staff to understand stakeholder relationships
• Take on special assignments based on CMS-D’s needs and the intern’s professional interests

Learning Goals

• Develop an understanding of nonprofit leadership in a community music school context
• Gain practical experience in stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and arts administration
• Learn business, planning, and communication strategies used in community-based music education
• Apply and strengthen transferable leadership and organizational skills

Internship Dates
Approximate Start Date: September 13, 2025
Approximate End Date: December 20, 2025
Hours: 10 hours/week
Format: Hybrid (6–10 Saturday visits to Detroit + weekly remote meetings)

Compensation

$15/hour (approximately 10 hours/week)

Travel reimbursement up to $500 for visits to and from CMS-D (Zipcar or mileage), provided at the end of the internship experience

Eligibility

Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate music major at MSU

Must have access to reliable transportation (students without a vehicle may contact Nicholas Dold to discuss options)

U.S. work authorization required (including F-1 student visa holders using CPT or OPT)

Application Instructions
Submit a résumé and brief cover letter via Handshake.

Application Opens: July 31, 2025
Application Deadline: September 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

Contact
For questions about the role or program, contact:
Nicholas Dold, Assistant Director, Running Start
doldnich@msu.edu