Summer Intern, E Pluribus Unum: Executive Office

Overview 

Emerson Collective is a company that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators driven by purpose and a sense of possibility, working to create a world of abundance for future generations. 

As with the whole of Emerson Collective, what matters most is that we work with people who are not only the very best at what they do, but also the kindest.

Emerson Collective Internship Program

Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places college-aged students in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our affiliate partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.

Candidates can apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional applications will not be considered.

The Opportunity

E Pluribus Unum is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive South. EPU focuses on 1) cultivating and empowering courageous leaders who are advancing racial equity, 2) championing transformative policy change, and 3) changing the divisive narratives that perpetuate systemic racism. 

As an Executive Office intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, and gain valuable experience in nonprofit management, strategic operations, and organizational governance. You will assist with administrative tasks, project coordination, strategic planning, research, and communication efforts that support the organization’s mission.

• Administrative Support: Provide general administrative assistance to the Executive Director and senior leadership, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, managing communications, and maintaining records.
• Meeting Coordination: Assist in organizing meetings, and other executive functions, including drafting agendas, taking notes, and following up on action items.
• Research: Conduct research on topics relevant to the organization’s programs, initiatives, and funding opportunities, and summarize findings for senior leadership.
• Project Support: Assist with the coordination and execution of special projects, including event planning, program development, and outreach efforts.
• Document Management: Maintain and organize documents, records, and files in both digital and physical formats, ensuring confidentiality and accessibility.
• General Office Tasks: Support daily office operations, such as answering calls, managing office supplies, and assisting with any ad-hoc requests from the Executive Office.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Applicants must currently attend school in the American South or be a native of the region. E Pluribus Unum defines the American South as encompassing the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, and organize information from various sources to support the organization’s goals.
• Interest in nonprofit work, community development, and social impact.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise reports and summaries, and participate in discussions or briefings.
• Ability to think critically and contribute to discussions around challenges and opportunities related to equity work.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting and engage in cross-functional discussions with colleagues and external partners.
• A demonstrated interest or passion for understanding and supporting efforts to promote racial and class equity.A proven background in dynamic and evolving work environment.
• Strong intuition and incredibly perceptive.
• Operate with care, kindness, and a spirit of generosity.
• Excited by working in an environment where any idea is possible, and is driven to help execute to make those ideas happen.

Location 

Emerson Collective is a Bay Area-based organization with offices in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. This position is located in New Orleans, LA, and is onsite 40 hours/week between June 9th and August 1st, 2025.

Key Dates

November 18 - January 10: Internship applications accepted, and interviews commence on a rolling basis. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.

January 10 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended.

June 9: Internship program begins.

August 1: Internship program concludes.

Compensation

All EC Interns are paid $25/hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 9th to August 1st (eight weeks). Interns may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.

This position requires being up to date on COVID vaccination consistent with current CDC guidelines, subject to documented religious and/or medical exemptions.

Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our mission and values as we strive to create systemic change and open possibilities for all of the communities we serve. To that end, we provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.