Summer Intern, Policy & Government Affairs

Emerson Collective is an organization designed to develop opportunities and solutions in education, environment, immigration, and health equity through philanthropy, creativity and investments. Established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson Collective brings together entrepreneurs and academics, artists, community leaders, and more to build solutions that spur measurable, lasting change. We work collectively to make the greatest difference possible. 

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, The Immigration Hub, and  Chicago CRED. 

Rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors across all majors are eligible to apply to all roles. Current law school students may apply for internships with the Legal team at Emerson Collective. Students that are pursuing a career in marketing or design may apply for internships with the Brand Creative Studio at Emerson Collective.

The Policy and Government Affairs team leads all policy work across Emerson Collective. Working closely with the Managing Director of Policy and Government Affairs, the intern tracks all policy and political reporting, identifying developments that could impact EC issue areas. They should be able to conduct research, draft presentation materials, and prepare updates for Emerson Collective teams on any necessary policy developments. This intern will also support the team in building out their robust and ambitious policy strategies, campaigns, and additional day-to-day tasks. They should have excellent written and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting with teams in different time zones.

Additional Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

• Rising college 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 and 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.

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 10th and August 2nd, 2024. 

November 21 - January 5: Internship applications accepted and interviews commence on rolling basis

February 10: All interviews complete. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews

March 1: Final day to extend EC internship offer

March 15: Final day to confirm participation in internship program

June 10: Internship program begins

August 2: Internship program concludes

All EC Interns are paid $25/hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 10th to August 2nd (eight weeks). Interns may also receive travel and housing stipends 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.