Summer Intern, Communications: Communications

Overview

Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world. 

Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED. 

We’re looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.

The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10–12. See below for more details.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity

The Communications 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. Using a variety of tools like owned and earned media, events, arts and culture, data and research, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement, our communications activities are unique and bespoke.

As the Communications intern, you will help with research and information gathering, written and collateral materials development, and tracking communications activities. We’re looking for someone who has 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. 

• Conduct media monitoring of newscycles to draft content and summaries for internal team newsletters.
• Read and synthesize key information in press clips, books, podcasts, keynote presentations, and panel discussions.
• Coordinate with other interns and staff to amplify and highlight communications moments across EC teams.
• Draft concise research and logistics briefings to advance new and ongoing projects.
• Research mission-aligned speaking opportunities for leaders inside the company and external partners.
• Support efforts to leverage AI tools and technology solutions to improve team efficiency, workflow, and communications-related data management.
• Support the content and idea development of key Emerson moments and milestones such as Demo Day, Positive Sum Magazine, and other highlights. 
• Create initial drafts and written materials to support narrative building and storytelling projects. 
• Support the operations and administrative needs across all members of the Communications Team.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in communications, media, journalism, or related fields.
• Strong writing, research, and synthesis skills, with the ability to create clear, compelling, and fact-based content.
• Curiosity about current events, news cycles, and the evolving media landscape.
• Experience using tools and technologies, including AI solutions, to improve communication and workflow.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• A proven background in a dynamic and evolving work environment.
• Strong intuition and incredibly perceptive.

Internship Details

Compensation

- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).

- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.

- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed. 

Key Dates

- November 18 – January 9: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Friday, January 9.

(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)

- January 12 – March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended

- June 10–12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation

- June 15: Internship program begins

- August 7: Internship program concludes