Human Resources Intern

Human Resource Intern Internship

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Winter 2026, internships will last 15 weeks, projected to begin on January 26th and conclude on May 8th.

The Human Resource Intern will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic HR environment while contributing to the advancement of The Henry Ford's people-focused initiatives. Over the course of this 15-week internship, the intern will support projects and daily operations in Human Resources, Recruitment, and Volunteer Management, helping to foster a positive, mission-driven employee and volunteer experience.

Essential Functions:

Human Resources:

• Support T&C staff with the day-to-day administrative needs such as front support to T&C reception area and other necessary staff/volunteer/contractor needs
• Support project-based filing systems to improve organization, accessibility, and compliance of employee records
• Assist with operations systemization, helping document and streamline workflows, checklists, and standard operating procedures
• Work closely with the T&C team for new hires to complete administrative onboarding paperwork that includes I-9 verification, vehicle permit, work permits (if applicable) and photo badges; follow up with manager communication as necessary and file accordingly
• Perform data entry and record maintenance in Dayforce HRIS
• Assist with the coordination and communication of employee programs such as training and compliance initiatives
• Help prepare presentations, reports, and resources for managers and staff

Recruitment:

• Support Breezy ATS project cleanup and filing to ensure accuracy and completeness of candidate records
• Assist with job description review and auditing to align with organizational standards and compliance requirements
• Draft and prepare offer letters under the guidance of Talent & Culture staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Help create and maintain a database of interview guides, competency frameworks, skills, sample questions, and evaluation criteria for use by hiring managers across the organization
• Assist with posting positions, reviewing applications, and coordinating interview schedules
• Communicate with candidates regarding interview logistics and onboarding steps
• Contribute to process improvement projects that enhance the candidate and hiring manager experience

Volunteer:

• Provide administrative support to the Volunteer Services team, including scheduling, data entry, and file management
• Support recognition initiatives and volunteer engagement programming
• Collaborate with the Sr. Manager of Volunteer Program to support volunteer applications in Breezy, volunteer advertisement and outreach
• Assist with volunteer onboarding, orientation sessions, and communications

HR Internship Learning Opportunities:

• Exposure to full-cycle HR operations, including filing systems and process documentation
• Hands-on experience with recruitment tools (Breezy ATS), job description audits, interview guides, and offer letters
• Insight into volunteer engagement, onboarding, and recognition practices
• Development of professional skills in communication, organization, and project coordination
• Mentorship from HR professionals and opportunity to complete capstone-style projects with lasting impact
• Current student or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Minimum Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with HRIS or ATS platforms a plus

Special Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with HRIS/ATS (Dayforce, Breezy) a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail with ability to spot errors/inconsistencies
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
• Interest in HR, recruitment, and volunteer engagement

Physical/Mental/Environmental:

Work Environment: Normal typical indoor office setting with desk, computer, and climate control. Includes access to an indoor/outdoor museum

Physical: Frequent sitting, standing, and walking. Minimal physical tasks such as pushing or lifting unless otherwise specified

Mental: Ability to manage workplace stressors, including handling employee complaints and related emotions

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment:

The FFEI Internship Program's mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways.

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week.

Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our Winter 2026 orientation will occur on January 26th.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution. Funding for the 2026 Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation. Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities. It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.