Summer Intern, Communications & Campaigns: Climate Migration

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 Communications & Campaigns team works across the Collective to set the tone and communicate organizational priorities to ensure internal teams learn and grow together and external audiences understand our values, skills, and expertise. Together, we make progress on the issues we care about most deeply. We design and execute integrated, strategic communications campaigns to move the needle on climate, immigration, education, health equity, and gun violence reduction. Using a variety of tools like arts and culture, events, data and research, owned and earned media, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement, our communications activities are unique and bespoke. 

We seek a Climate Migration intern to support new and ongoing advocacy-based campaigns related to Emerson’s core issue areas. This intern will primarily work on the issue of climate-induced migration, providing critical research and campaign support. While in this role, the intern will assist with internal and external communications, outreach efforts, the development of briefing materials, social media strategy, and event logistics. They'll collaborate closely with other members of the Communications & Campaigns Team, Immigration Team, Policy Team, and Political Team throughout the eight-week internship. This position provides a unique opportunity to sharpen research skills, and engage with critical policy and public awareness initiatives related to climate and migration issues. Candidates must possess an eye for detail, energy to learn and grow in a fun environment, excellent written and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Research and develop engagement strategies for existing and prospective partner organizations, businesses, and thought leaders.
• Support event, content, and logistical preparations for convenings pertaining to climate change and national security.
• Conduct in-depth research on climate-induced migration, including trends, case studies, and policy developments.
• Track key events, milestones, and emerging narratives across multiple issue areas.
• Compile relevant data, reports, and media coverage to support advocacy campaigns.
• Assist in drafting email updates, newsletters, and other communications to engage and inform constituents.
• Maintain an internal calendar of major events, policy announcements, and relevant campaign deadlines.
• Support the development of engaging social media content, including posts, graphics, and stories.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior, preferably pursuing a career in advocacy-based campaigns, climate change, immigration reform, public policy, or a related field.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality as interns may encounter sensitive information.
• Strong research and writing skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, comfortable working in collaborative environments.
• A proven background in a 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 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.

Salary : $25