Be a Part of SBTHP
VOLUNTEER
Are you curious about the history of our community? Or are you passionate about sharing stories of the diverse people and cultures who call Santa Barbara County home?
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Is looking for volunteers like you to fulfill many opportunities at school and public programs, and events at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and Casa de la Guerra. Connect with other locals to lead arts and crafts activities, assist in our archives and collections, provide historic interpretation for both youth and adults, and even help maintain our historic gardens.
INTERNSHIPS
Higman Internship Spring 2026
Marketing & Fundraising Events Internship
Start date: End of March 2026
Weekly hours: 10/hrs a week
Duration: March-June 2026
Rate/stipend amount: $2,500
ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is a nonprofit that operates El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park for the State of California and owns and operates Casa de la Guerra in downtown Santa Barbara. As a county-wide preservation organization that also manages an urban historic park which includes museums, archaeological sites, and numerous historic structures, we provide educational programs for both school and the general public that addresses the region’s multi-ethnic past and present.
Scope of duties
Under the supervision of the Associate Director for Advancement, intern duties may include:
Support for the organization's marketing and communications efforts
Assist with the planning and execution of Development/fundraising events
Assist with the development and implementation of marketing campaigns
Create engaging content for social media platforms and assist with the management of the organization's social media presence
Support for the organization’s fundraising efforts
Conduct research on marketing trends and best practices
The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and creative individual with a passion for the nonprofit sector. This internship is ideal for someone with a strong interest in one or more of the following areas:
Fundraising and event management
Social media marketing
Event planning
Qualifications
Upper division undergraduate student or graduate student standing
Experience and/or demonstrated interest in marketing, communications, event planning, fundraising
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent writing and communication skills
Strong social media skills
Experience with graphic design software is a plus including Adobe Creative Suite, Canva
Experience working with Microsoft Office and familiarity with databases
Ability to work well with a diverse group of people
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Experience with photography is a plus
Benefits:
Gain real-world experience in the nonprofit sector
Develop valuable marketing and communications skills
Network with professionals in the field
Make a meaningful contribution to the mission of SBTHP
Application Process
Please send a resume and a one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in this position. Please send materials as a PDF to Yvonne Leal, yvonne@sbthp.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of March 11. The successful candidate will be asked to start in this role late March.
WORK WITH US
EVENT ATTENDANT
Reports to: Director of Membership and Facility Rentals
Classification: Regular, part time, non-exempt
Scope of Position
The Event Attendant is scheduled to work private events at Casa de la Guerra and El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and occasionally for Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) sponsored events.
Duties & Responsibilities
Welcome and orient renters/vendors/guests to Presidio or Casa de la Guerra facilities.
Assist with event set-up, including moving chairs and tables when needed.
Implements the rules and guidelines of SBTHP with the renters, vendors (such as catering, party rentals, music, florists, etc.), and guests during the event, set-up, and tear down.
Maintains, protects, and secures the historic properties and structures throughout duration of each event, including opening and closing facilities, and arming/disarming the alarm system.
Ensures parking and noise are appropriate to the event and do not conflict with general safety, the visitor experience, or neighboring businesses.
Provide staff support/troubleshooting to renters as needed.
Light maintenance of sites, including occasional sweeping, raking, picking up trash as necessary.
Restock restroom supplies and maintain restrooms in clean condition as needed.
Coordinate and maintain communication with SBTHP staff and volunteers during open hours to ensure that event is successful and the public’s enjoyment of SBTHP sites is unhampered.
Represent SBTHP as needed to visitors to El Presidio SHP and the Casa by answering questions about general history, site rental, operating hours, etc.
Opportunities may arise to work additional hours beyond those scheduled in accordance with this job description to assist with other organizational tasks such as visitor center duties and SBTHP’s public programs, as needed.
SBTHP is a diverse organization with a small staff and many activities. All staff members, including the Event Attendant, must be versatile and cooperative in carrying out a variety of responsibilities and duties, as assigned by the Rental and Development Coordinator and/or the Associate Director of Advancement.
Qualifications and Requirements
Outgoing and confident manner; ability to work independently; to perform well under pressure and deal with awkward situations; excellent human relations skills; good verbal skills; dependable; able to work outdoors; able to understand and follow detailed directions; able to adapt to last minute changes required. Reliable transportation, and availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and to work varying shifts required. Must be age 21 or over. Interest in history and museums; previous event experience preferred. A high school education/G.E.D., plus two years’ experience in a similar position with a public-facing role preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift 35 lbs.
Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel
Ability to sit for long periods of time
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Ability to reach overhead
Hearing acuity to perform communication with members of the public via telephone.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Usual Schedule: A minimum of 10 hours per week (40 hours per month) dependent on rental and organizational activity.
Salary: $19/hour.
Deadline for Application: Open until filled
Application Process: Please submit application and resume to Jordan Hitchens, jordan@sbthp.org.
Ready to Join Us?
Become a member today and take part in deepening the legacy of Santa Barbara through place, story, and community.