CMU Finance & Operations Associate Internship at KST

ABOUT THE FINANCE & OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE INTERN

At Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST), we are committed to creative experimentation, community dialogue, and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. We achieve this through quality programming that centers artists and community.

The Finance & Operations Associate Intern role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit finance and administration, with exposure to payroll, accounts receivable and payable, credit card reconciliation, budgeting, grant reporting, and data systems management. This is an opportunity to build practical skills in the systems and structures that support mission-driven work, while contributing to the organization’s day-to-day operations.

The impact of your work directly supports KST’s ability to serve nearly 20,000 patrons annually, create opportunities for over 200 local and national artists, and incubate emerging organizations led by people of color. Through this role, you will gain experience in financial and operational practices that sustain a dynamic nonprofit arts organization.

CLASSIFICATION: Internship open to CMU student currently enrolled in MAM

REPORTS TO: Finance & Operations Manager

COMPENSATION: This position is hired and compensated through Carnegie Mellon University. 

SCHEDULE:  Please note that this is an in-person position at KST’s Alloy Studios. Typical office hours are 10am-6pm on weekdays. We will work with you to craft a mutually agreeable, regular weekly schedule. Work-Study awards determine the number of hours a student is eligible to work, typically ranging from 12 to 35 hours per week based on their financial aid package.

RESPONSIBILITIES
 

KEY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support accounts payable processing, including vendor invoices, staff reimbursements, and credit card receipts, with accurate categorization and recordkeeping.
• Analyze rental event performance, identifying areas for improvement and success. 
• Help manage cash banks and assist with weekly bank deposits.
• Support Development team with financial reports for grant reports as well as special event analytics.

KEY HUMAN RESOURCES RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Finance & Operations Manager in preparing onboarding documentation for new hires, including benefits administration
• Review and organize personnel and contractor files, maintaining confidentiality and compliance

OTHER OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Support with general office management: assist with digital and physical file maintenance, and organizing storage of historic data.
• As appropriate, assist other departments and work as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of Kelly Strayhorn Theater
• Conduct year-over-year data analysis of KST Presents performances and audience analytics
• Other duties/projects as assigned

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Mac Systems and willingness to learn new job-specific applications such as Salesforce, Quickbooks, and Monday.com
• Experience in processing accounts payable and receivable and understanding of basic financial principles including knowledge of how to handle cash and checks, reconcile accounts, and maintain accurate records

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and the willingness to prioritize and foster a commitment to valuing differences of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances
• Highly motivated, self-starter with strong organizational skills and ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail  
• Process-oriented with exceptional abilities in attention to detail, accuracy, organizing, time management, managing multiple tasks, setting priorities 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion