KEXP’s Internship Program seeks to provide interns from historically under-invited and under-represented communities with hands-on experience in the nonprofit arts sector. Our program is designed to develop and equip emerging leaders, interested in furthering their careers, in a variety of fields including music programming, audio production, and nonprofit capacity building.
Our interns learn skills in business communication, project management, problem-solving, audio technology, database management and more. These skills and experiences offer our interns a unique ground-level glimpse of the day-to-day life of a community-supported arts organization, while offering relationship building and networking opportunities with individuals throughout the music industry.
We are working to carefully review your applications! Expect to hear back from KEXP between late-February and early-April.
Missed the application window? KEXP's internships open for applications in January each year. We look forward to reading your application next year!
Anyone 18 or older who lives in the Greater Seattle Area and has legal authorization to work in the United States is eligible to apply! Interns are not required to currently be enrolled in school or be a graduate.
KEXP requires staff, interns, and volunteers who work in KEXP’s offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they enter the offices.
KEXP interns are a part of a cohort, which means the group of interns joins KEXP at the same time and moves through the program together. The term begins in April and ends in November, and in that time interns complete 450 hours of work (average 15 hours/week). Throughout the term, the cohort will have opportunities to go on field trips, make connections with industry professionals, and meet mentors and friends!
Day-to-day, interns have the option to work at KEXP’s offices or remotely during regular business hours (8am - 6pm, Monday - Friday). However, interns must be in the office at least one day a week and they are encouraged to work in the office as often as they are able. Working in the office provides valuable opportunities to connect with KEXP staff and fellow interns.
We look for life-long learners who are endlessly curious and motivated to make an impact. A successful intern is committed and engaged, and has clear goals that are aligned with the position they apply for. Most importantly, we look for folks who are passionate about KEXP’s mission and have a fanatical love of music!
KEXP’s internship program is committed to creating a welcoming workplace. Having interns from underrepresented and under-invited backgrounds enables KEXP to better meet our mission to serve music-loving communities around the world.
If you have faced barriers that have impacted your career path, we would appreciate reading about them in your application so that we can better understand your goals and who you are. The screener questions in the application are an opportunity for the hiring team to hear your story.
Barriers could be related to income, race, gender, sexuality, disability, education, or anything else that has impacted your access to opportunities in your career journey. For example, if you have not completed high school, if you do not see people who look like you in your desired field of work, or if finances have prevented you from pursuing your career interests, we want to hear from you! Everyone is encouraged to apply. Folks who have had a lack of access to opportunities, Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why isn’t there a field to submit a cover letter with my application?
KEXP does not accept cover letters for our internships—the screener questions on the application ask the specific questions we have for candidates. In order to keep all applicants on an even playing field, a cover letter will not be counted as part of your application.
How important are the screener questions?
Your answers to the screener questions are very important. Please be thorough in your answers. Clearly state how the internship aligns with your goals and provide examples of how your experiences are relevant to the internship. If you have faced barriers that have impacted your career path, we would appreciate reading that in your application so that we can better understand your goals and who you are.
I have minimal experience in the internship I am interested in. Should I apply?
Yes! Internships are learning experiences. We look for applicants who are at the beginning of their career or who are about to embark on a career change. That said, it is critical that your application clearly states how your experiences will be relevant to the internship you are applying for.
Can I apply to multiple internships?
Yes! If you are interested in multiple positions that will further your career path and support you in achieving your goals, please apply.
Can I submit supplemental materials with my application? (e.g. letter of recommendation, audio project, writing sample)
No, we do not request or accept supplemental materials in the initial application. If you do submit supplemental materials, they will not be considered in your application evaluation. This contributes to a fair playing field for all candidates. If the applicant makes it to the final interview stage, a reference or work sample may be required depending on the position. We will notify the candidate if and when we need that information.
I don’t currently live in the Greater Seattle Area. Can I still apply?
No, all of our internships require working in the office at least once a week, and there are in-person field trips and intern cohort gatherings throughout the term. Interns must live within commuting distance to KEXP’s office in Seattle Center by the time the internship starts.
I am unable to commit to the full term. Can the term be adjusted?
No, we ask that interns commit to the April - November timeline so that they can participate in intern cohort activities.
How flexible are the hours of the internship?
The internship is 15 hours a week. The intern and their supervisor will work together to create a schedule that works for the both of them. The hours must be completed between Monday-Friday 8am-6pm. Generally speaking there is flexibility in the hours and your schedule can be adjusted if needed.
Can this internship be fully remote?
No. This internship requires working in the office at least one day a week, and there are monthly in-person field trips and intern cohort gatherings throughout the term. In-person participation enables interns to fully experience the KEXP office environment. If you have health barriers that prevent you from doing in-person work, we can make necessary adjustments.
When can I expect to hear back from KEXP?
Each year we receive several hundred applications for only a handful of positions. We read through each application thoroughly. Because of the time that takes you may hear back from us as early as late February or as late as early April. We appreciate your patience!
I will turn 18 after the internship term begins. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately no. Please apply next year!
I’m not a student or a recent graduate. Can I still apply?
Yes! Anyone 18 and older can apply. You do not need to be a student or a recent graduate to intern at KEXP.
Can I talk to someone over the phone or in-person to ask questions about the internship I’m applying for?
Given the high volume of applications we receive, we do not have capacity to speak with applicants individually about their application. In the meantime, please email us at internships@kexp.org with your questions. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
Can I submit my application via email or in person?
No, we only accept applications via our application portal Paylocity. If you do not have access to a computer or internet, we recommend visiting your local Seattle Public Library or King County Library.
Is this position eligible for health benefits?
No, it is not.
KEXP is partner of Alan T. Sugiyama High School's Pathways to Arts and Entertainment class. We hosts an intern from the school during the period of January-June.
