Summer Intern, Philanthropy: Bookstores & Book Access

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 Philanthropy team partners with nonprofits that are working to create a more just and equitable world. The Bookstore & Book Access intern will support a body of work focused on nonprofit independent bookstores and the role of literary centers in building community, providing book access, and protecting free expression. Throughout the summer, this intern will have the opportunity to help draft memos, conduct research, and participate in key meetings/calls that help advance our goal of providing meaningful support to impactful nonprofits. Candidates should have a passion for all things books as well as strong multitasking, research, writing, and communication skills.

• Conduct research across a variety of topics, leveraging online resources, reports, webinars and learning sessions, and more.
• Prepare memos and written materials that support various initiatives.
• Participate in meetings that advance our understanding of issues and/or the work of nonprofit partners.
• Support analyses and insights work, including helping to collect or review data.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Passion for creating positive impact, particularly related to bookstores and book access.
• Strong research skills, including the ability to review large amounts of information and identify key highlights.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to summarize information clearly and concisely.
• Exceptional ability to remain organized, multitask, track assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Generous and resourceful collaborator, supporting teammates and colleagues as needed.
• 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 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.