Summer Intern, Office of the President

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

The Office of the President team serves as a central hub for Emerson Collective’s efforts to inspire change in education, immigration, and climate. The intern in the Office of the President will conduct research, provide support on special projects, assist in the planning of site visits, draft briefing memos, and other materials. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and curiosity in cross-disciplinary topics, including education, immigration, climate, politics, and the arts. Preference will be given to applicants with a passion for Emerson’s core issue areas, extensive research experience, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Conduct and assist with in-depth research for meetings and other engagements involving executive leadership.
• Such research may include policy research, historical research, data analysis, compiling biographies, and more;
• Assist with drafting and editing of background briefings, communications materials, and more;
• Explore new topics as directed; and
• Verify and fact-check content generated by internal and external partners.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior with a demonstrated interest in EC’s work.
• Resourcefulness: Critical thinker and has the ability to solve issues independently.
• Curiosity & Initiative: Eagerness to learn and ask questions; approach projects with a balance of showing initiative and knowing when to seek feedback or permission.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to new tasks, changing priorities, and various team dynamics.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in handling information, research accuracy, and proofreading.
• Judgment & Discretion: Maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Empathy & Respect: 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 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 Palo Alto, CA, 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.