KEXP’s Internship Program seeks to provide interns from historically under-invited and under-represented communities with hands-on experience. Our program is designed to develop and equip emerging leaders in a variety of fields including music programming, audio production, and nonprofit capacity building.
KEXP interns have a unique position in the operations and programming of a community-supported arts organization. They develop skills in communication, project management, problem-solving, audio editing, database management, and more, while also building relationships and networking with industry leaders in Seattle.
KEXP interns receive all equipment and supplies necessary to complete their work, including a laptop, headphones, and computer peripherals. Additional equipment and supplies vary for each internship.
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.
Prospective interns complete their applications through an online application portal called Paylocity. Be prepared to submit personal information (e.g. contact info, education history), an up-to-date resume, and answers to a set of screener questions. The screener questions are very important - this is your opportunity to tell us your story. We want to know your goals, skills and perspective, and we want to understand how your experience connects with the internship you are applying for. KEXP does not accept cover letters for internships, so if it is helpful, you can think of the screener questions as a replacement for your cover letter. There are both long answer (1,000 character limit) and multiple choice questions, and we encourage candidates to take their time when developing their answers. Please note that cover letters will not be evaluated if submitted.
The application will ask if you have legal authorization to work in the United States. All interns are required to have U.S. work authorization.
KEXP interns are a part of a cohort, which means that interns joins KEXP at the same time and move through the program together. KEXP offers four internship positions each year, however the positions themselves change year-to-year.
The term begins with orientation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 and ends on Friday, November 6, 2026. In that time interns complete 450 hours of work (average 18 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 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM PT - 6:00 PM PT). However, interns are required to work in the office at least one day per 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, motivated to make an impact and are passionate about KEXP's mission. A successful intern is committed and engaged, and has clear goals that are aligned with the position(s) they apply for.
KEXP’s internship program is committed to creating a welcoming workplace. Hiring 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. 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 people, Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
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. Unless requested, we do not accept supplemental materials in the application. If you do submit supplemental materials, they will not be considered in the evaluation of your application. This contributes to a fair playing field for all candidates.
I am unable to commit to the full term. Can the term be adjusted?
No. Interns must commit to the May 12 - November 6 term; neither the start date nor end date can be adjusted. KEXP does not offer summer internships.
How flexible are the hours of the internship?
Interns and supervisors work together to create a schedule and there is general flexibility. Interns are expected to work an average of 18 hours per week during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM PT - 6:00 PM PT). However, interns cannot work more than 20 hours per week and cannot exceed 450 hours of total work.
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.
I will turn 18 after the internship term begins. Can I still apply?
No. Please apply next year!
I’m not a student or a recent graduate. Can I still apply?
Yes!
Can I talk to someone over the phone or in-person to ask questions about the internship I am applying for?
Given the high volume of applications we receive, we do not have capacity to chat with individual candidates in this capacity. If you have questions about the internship program or the application process that aren't covered on this page, please email us at internships@kexp.org with your questions. We will get back to you as soon as we are able.
Can I submit my application via email, mail, 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.
Are KEXP interns eligible for benefits, like a transit pass or health insurance coverage?
KEXP interns accrue sick leave and receive an ORCA card for the duration of their term. KEXP interns are not eligible for health insurance coverage, retirement plan contributions or matching, vacation leave accrual, or other benefits.
