Stevan A. Baron Work Scholar Program

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Work Scholar Program Spring 2024

The application period for the Spring 2024 term is now closed. The next term will open for applications in May, 2024.

We most recently hired in the following departments:

Development
Digital Media and Design
Nonprofit Administration


About the Program

Aperture’s Work Scholar Program welcomes individuals to engage in Aperture’s programs and contribute to the editing, design, production, circulation, sales, and marketing of photography’s most significant publications; the development of major traveling exhibitions; educational programs for children and adults; the creation of web content; and all other business operations essential to a nonprofit organization.

In addition to working closely with the Aperture staff and contributing to the day-to-day office work flow, work scholars make contacts within the photo community at Aperture events and through meetings with various professionals in the photography field. Aperture’s Chelsea location offers the unique opportunity to work in New York City and have access to art galleries, museums, and other art-related facilities.

Interns serve on a paid part-time basis (24 hours per week) for which they receive $18 per hour, as well as complimentary copies of Aperture magazine. This internship requires a commitment of three days per week. The schedule for the three days is 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Applicants must make their own living arrangements. Current college students as well as recent graduates are encouraged to apply. College credit is available for this program.

Stevan A. Baron, for whom Aperture’s internship program is named, studied with Minor White in 1963, and remained professionally involved with Aperture until he retired from his position as Vice-President of Production in 2003. Over his forty-year tenure, Baron was responsible for the exacting separation and printing standards that define Aperture’s publications. He believed deeply in the importance of education both within and beyond the classroom environment.

Please Read: Aperture is currently under a hybrid model of working, with most staff working remotely for the time being. This internship may require work scholars to come into the office when requested, depending on CDC guidelines and the preference of the work scholar’s supervisor. It should also be noted that for the safety of our workplace and community, we have a fully vaccinated office.


How To Apply

The application period for the Spring 2024 term is now closed.

Applicants are selected based on their interest and motivation in working for Aperture, an ability to contribute significantly to the program, and openness to gaining a meaningful work experience. Experience and interest in photography, publishing, the visual arts, and in fields related to the specific department to which you apply is strongly encouraged. Please see below for instructions on how to apply for the program.

We receive a high volume of applications each term. For that reason, we ask you to follow the guidelines closely to ensure that your application will be considered.

  • Please submit your application as a single PDF file (cover letter first, then resume). The file name should be yourfirstname_yourlastname_coverletter and resume.pdf
  • In the first sentence of your cover letter, please indicate the departments for which you would like to be considered. A list of departments and position descriptions can be found below. In your letter, please describe your background, skills, and motivations for applying. Lastly, please let us know how you heard about the Work Scholar Program.
  • Some departments require additional materials. Please review the below department descriptions for additional materials. Additional materials should be a separate PDF from your application. The file name should be “sample_LASTNAME.pdf”

If you have questions, please view our FAQs or contact us at workscholars@aperture.org.


More Information

Aperture hires Work Scholars across the organization based on department needs. Work Scholar positions are re-evaluated on a bi-yearly basis. For the moment, we are not hiring in the following departments:

Book Publishing & Communications
Design
Digital Design
Magazine Publishing
Production
Publicity
Special Events & Membership


Book Publishing & Communications

Currently not taking applicants.

This position services two departments at Aperture: the Book Publishing Department, and the Communications Department. The Editorial Department is split between Aperture magazine and the book program. In this position, you will work directly with the Associate Publisher and Managing Editor to support the editorial department as a whole. You will also be working with the Communications Director to support the marketing aspects of the publishing program. You can expect to learn about the business, management, and marketing side of publishing and what it means to be an art publisher today. This position exists at the intersection of many facets of the publishing process—editorial, production, sales, marketing, and finance.

Requirements

A working grasp of the photographic field, excellent grammar and strong communication skills, the ability to multitask and take initiative, a high level of attention to detail and organization, and prior editorial experience will enhance a candidate’s application. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, handling physical artwork and digital files, and some knowledge of HTML preferred. Because of the nature of this position, applicants should have a strong command of the English language. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; some experience with database programs, and e-mail marketing software; excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills; and a genuine passion for the arts

Additional Application Materials

Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work. The sample should be submitted as a PDF, separate from your application. The file name should be saved as “sample_LASTNAME.pdf”


Design

Currently not taking applicants.

The Design Work Scholar assists Aperture’s in-house design department with both printed and digital ephemera. Design projects include books, catalogs, ads, exhibitions, signage, posters, website graphics, e-vites, and invitations. Responsibilities include working on layouts, setting and correcting type, communicating with various departments to follow through on projects, and conceptual design on selected projects. Work Scholars attend design meetings with artists and department heads and acquire hands-on experience. They will learn to present ideas and work with clients, and will bring away strong portfolio pieces.

Requirements

Expertise with InDesign and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator required (all on Mac). Knowledge of HTML and CSS encouraged but not required. Strong layout and typography skills, creativity, attention to detail, and self-motivation will enhance a candidate’s application.

Additional Application Materials

Please submit a PDF portfolio of eight to ten design projects, no more than 8mb in size. The sample should be submitted as a PDF, separate from your application. The file name should be saved as “sample_LASTNAME.pdf”


Digital Media and Design

One work scholar will be accepted for the Spring 2024 term.

 This position will operate at the intersection of the Digital Strategy, Design, and Communications, providing support for the visual and digital expression of Aperture. Primary areas of focus will include short-form video development, social media asset creation, and animated design work.

To read more about what you can learn from this position as well as a full description of responsibilities, click here.

Requirements

Expertise with InDesign and working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator required (all on Mac). Knowledge of HTML and CSS, and Adobe After Effects is encouraged but not required. Strong layout and typography skills, creativity, attention to detail, and self motivation will enhance a candidate’s application. Video editing and animation experience are a plus. One should also possess a willingness to triple-check everything before it is routed or shared; patience with colleagues and the collaborative design process at Aperture; curiosity about different platforms, mediums, and content; a willingness to investigate solutions independently and try out different visual solutions to a problem; and the ability to work toward finding multiple creative ideas whenever a design is needed (there is never one right answer when it comes to design).


Development

One work scholar will be accepted for the Spring 2024 term.

The Development Department’s goal is to raise funds for the full range of Aperture’s activities, including but not limited to publications, exhibitions, public programs, collection-related projects, the magazine, and general operating support. A range of activities are undertaken in order to meet fundraising goals.

To read more about what you can learn from this position as well as a full description of responsibilities, click here.

Requirements

Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; solid basic math skills; excellent communication and grammar skills. A strong working grasp of database programs such as Salesforce, DonorPerfect, and/or Raiser’s Edge is preferred. You will be required to come into our New York City office sometimes. 


Editorial (Books Program)

Currently not taking applicants.

The Editorial Department includes the magazine and the book program. This opportunity would be in the book program. The goal of the department is to connect the photo community and its audience with a wide range of photography through print publications and e-books. We publish Aperture magazine, online-exclusive articles on Aperture.org, and approximately thirty books per year, including major monographs, catalogs to accompany exhibitions, limited-edition publications, books by emerging photographers, and collections of writings.

Requirements

A working grasp of the photographic field, excellent grammar and strong communication skills, the ability to multitask and take initiative, a high level of attention to detail and organization, as well as prior editorial experience will enhance a candidate’s application. Experience using Adobe Photoshop, handling physical artwork and digital files, and some knowledge of HTML preferred. Because of the nature of this position, applicants should have strong command of the English language. You will be required to come into our New York City office when needed.


Magazine Publishing

Currently not taking applicants.

The Magazine Publishing Work Scholar will assist with brainstorming, researching, and outreach for various promotional projects; managing Aperture’s digital ad-serving platform; will attend trade shows and art fairs; update monthly sales reports; and gather digital assets for each new issue prior to launch.

Requirements

Requirements include proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong phone and people skills, an ability to multitask and take initiative, and an interest in the business side of publishing.


Nonprofit Administration

One work scholar will be accepted for the Spring 2024 term.

The Nonprofit Administration Work Scholar will support the Executive Director’s Office, Operations, Publishing, Sales, and other departments when there is a need. Tasks will include inventory management, customer service, archiving, and general operations support. To read more about what you can learn from this position as well as a full description of responsibilities, click here.

Requirements

An interest in the daily operations of a nonprofit publisher; excellent written and communication skills; the ability to take initiative and work independently; and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.


Production

Currently not taking applicants.

The Production Work Scholar assists the Production Manager in producing Aperture’s books and quarterly magazine. Responsibilities include handling artwork; reviewing project specifications with editorial staff and designers; communicating with suppliers; maintaining department schedules; preparing artwork for print and web use; archiving physical and digital files; trafficking packages; reviewing status of overseas shipments; and preparing manufacturing orders.

Requirements

Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and In-Design required. Experience in studio photography and digital printing a plus.

Additional Application Materials

Please submit a PDF portfolio of eight to ten images or a selection of two to three projects (books, zines, or other design related projects). The PDF portfolio should not be more than 8mb in size. The sample should be submitted as a PDF, separate from your application. The file name should be saved as “sample_LASTNAME.pdf”.


Publicity

Currently not taking applicants.

The Publicity Department’s goal is to achieve maximum awareness of Aperture’s core programs: books, Aperture magazine, educational events, and exhibitions. This is done through media and editorial outreach, artist lectures and book signings, and social and website promotions. The Publicity Department works with all the departments at Aperture to ensure maximum success with its outreach.

Requirements

Excellent organizational and communication skills, advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; some experience with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, plus database programs and e-mail marketing software (Mailchimp, Highrise, etc); excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills; and a genuine passion for photography and the arts. 


Special Events & Membership

Currently not taking applicants.

The Special Events and Membership Work Scholar assists the development staff in all aspects of fundraising, including research, data management, preparation of grant proposals, donor cultivation, and direct-mail appeals. Responsibilities include updating and maintaining the donation database, assisting in special events, researching prospective foundations and individuals, and preparing solicitation packages and other fundraising materials.

Requirements

Advanced experience with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; strong working grasp of database programs such as DonorPerfect or Raiser’s Edge; excellent communication, grammar skills, attention to detail and deadline oriented.

Additional Application Materials

Please submit a one- to two-page sample of written work. The sample should be submitted as a PDF, separate from your application. The file name should be saved as “sample_LASTNAME.pdf”

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