Summer Intern, Political

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 Political Team focuses on expanding democracy protections at the federal, state, and local levels. We are seeking an intern to help execute a high-impact, integrated political and electoral strategy across our core issue areas, including immigration, education, the environment, and health equity. Ideal candidates will have an interest in policy and politics, experience with research and writing, a strong understanding of social media and the news cycle, a grasp of current events, an eye for detail, and an eagerness to learn and grow.

• Assist with political, grant, and campaign research.
• Adopt and effectively use internal tools to support operational efficiency across the team.
• Attend partner meetings, briefings, and convenings as needed.
• Provide in-office meeting support.
• Provide research, input, and guidance related to the organization’s strategic advocacy and political campaigns.
• Draft memos, briefings, and research papers for internal leaders as needed.
• Support and coordinate the Political team’s ability to develop grant proposals of prospective grantees for internal review.
• Regularly track and evaluate success metrics and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior, preferably with an interest in policy and politics.
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high-quality work products.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion while exercising good judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, colleagues, and partners.
• Highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and maturity.
• 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