Careers

Preservation Intern

Summary of Position

Join our team!

The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) seeks a graduate-level preservation intern to assist with short- and long-term projects as well as day-to-day work across the urban design & policy team. The role is a one-year grant-funded position for students interested in exploring how the field of preservation can be transformed to center equity and inclusion, support diverse layers of history and culture in our city, and be part of the solution for confronting our climate and housing crises. The position will provide key support to urban design, planning, and advocacy staff and work collaboratively across initiatives and programs with a particular focus on our preservation agenda and in support of MAS’ Enduring Culture Initiative (ECI).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a baseline understanding of New York City preservation, planning, urban design, and land-use policies, while being enrolled in a terminal preservation degree program. This position comes at an important time for MAS and presents a unique opportunity to help define and shape our vision for the future of New York City citywide, and with projects across the five-boroughs.

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Urban Design & Policy with the supervision of an urban planner and law fellow, the preservation intern will:

• Contribute to research and assist in the preparation of written, graphic, and oral presentations, as well as on reports encompassing a wide range of MAS projects and programs that touch on cultural heritage and preservation
• Assist in the development of technical documents and presentation materials
• Assist in the evaluation of both City and community proposals and policies related to MAS preservation and cultural heritage advocacy
• Assist in organizing and promoting MAS-sponsored events related to preservation work, including both public convenings and educational programs
• Assist with organizational aspects of the MAS Preservation Committee
• Attend evening and weekend meetings and events on occasion

Interns can expect to gain experience working with and presenting to a variety of audiences. The internship will provide ample opportunities for technical skill development and new applications for preservation and cultural heritage work, as well as mapping, research, and advocacy.

Position Requirements

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a master’s degree program focusing on historic preservation. Exposure to urban studies, public policy, urban design, real estate development, economics, community development, historic preservation, or related fields is a plus. This is a paid internship, though unpaid positions will be considered for candidates eligible for either course credit or a stipend through their educational institution.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with historic preservation policy and programs within New York City, New York State, and the United States
• General knowledge of New York City agencies and processes related to the public realm, land-use, zoning, and historic preservation
• Broad understanding of current issues in city planning, urban design, and historic preservation (local and national)
• Excellent research, writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills, including a working knowledge of academic research standards and ethics
• Extremely organized, detail-oriented, accuracy-driven, and responsible
• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team context
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with GIS software including ArcMap™, ArcScene™, ArcGIS Pro, and MapBox™ is a plus

About the Municipal Art Society

The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) works towards the creation of a livable city, to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers, and to use the municipal arts of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, preservation, and public art to improve and protect the built environment of New York.

MAS envisions a future in which all New Yorkers share in the richness of city life. For over 130 years our advocacy efforts have led to the creation of the New York City Planning Commission, Public Design Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Tribute in Light; the preservation of Grand Central Terminal, the lights of Times Square, and the Garment District; the conservation of more than 50 works of public art; and the founding of such civic organizations as the Public Art Fund, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, P.S. 1, the Historic Districts Council, the Park Avenue Armory Conservancy, and the Waterfront Alliance.

Work Culture and Employment Goals

Our staff includes urban designers, planners, policy experts, historians, civic leaders, community builders, and advocates who love New York City. We work collaboratively across departments and with a wide variety of partners from across the boroughs. We hope you or someone you know can join us in our work!

The Municipal Art Society of New York is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. MAS is committed to cultivating a staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences that are representative of the communities in which we live and work.

Time Commitment

Ideally, the intern will work for one year, starting in September of 2026 through August 2027. If you cannot make a yearlong commitment, specify which semester(s) you are applying for.

Salary

This is a part-time internship with a salary of $18.50/hour. The maximum number of hours per semester is as follows:

• Fall 2025: 12 weeks at 25 hours/week = 300 hours maximum
• Spring 2026: 12 weeks at 25 hours/week = 300 hours maximum
• Summer 2026: 12 weeks at 40 hours/week = 480 hours maximum

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Monday, August 31st.

Pease send the following as attachments via email to jobs@mas.org:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• A portfolio comprising 2-3 work samples (combination of written and visual is a plus)

Address all correspondence to “Preservation Intern Hiring Committee.”

Please do not call or reach out to MAS staff directly.