Summer Intern, Planning & Development: Community Engagement

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 Planning and Development team collaborates across the organization on place-based community engagement, planning, finance, and development initiatives. 

We are seeking a Community Engagement intern with a strong interest in one or more of the following areas: urban planning, community development and engagement, finance, architecture, engineering, materials science, or forestry. This intern will explore innovative solutions to complex challenges and conduct research on urban planning issues. Projects will involve high-level research and analysis on wealth-building and participatory ownership models. They will be expected to develop materials for presentations, meetings, and convenings. Additionally, this intern will support the development of a community ownership model, the CEE, and work with the team to create strategies for equitable development in urban communities. They will interact with team members across the Collective in various time zones, as well as with community members in the areas where we operate. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with experience in research and developing graphic presentations.

• Research implementation models for the Community Equity Endowment.
• Help to manage the agenda and track minutes for the Community Advisory Board.
• Conduct an outreach strategy for engaging Congress Heights residents about the CEE.
• Compile and organize all storytelling and research materials about the CEE.
• Map and track all community-led wealth-building programs across the country.
• Identify conferences and other opportunities to share and learn about community wealth-building programs.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality as interns may encounter sensitive information.
• Flexible and adaptive work ethic when asked to contribute to special projects across different teams as they arise.
• Competent problem-solving and confident self-starting skills.
• Passion for social impact, including fighting poverty, improving schools, making government work well for all, environment, and/or immigrants’ rights.
• Intellectual curiosity; the ability to respond to new ideas and projects with enthusiasm; and a sense of possibility.
• Creativity and resourcefulness when solving problems or completing tasks.
• Exceptional organization and prioritization skills, including time management and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to develop materials for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to maintain a team-oriented approach and thrive in entrepreneurial, dynamic environments.
• High standards for accuracy, quality, and integrity.

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 Washington, DC, 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.