Summer Intern, Communications: Social Media

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 Social Media intern, you will support the Communications team in conceptualizing, drafting, and creating engaging content for platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We’re looking for someone who possesses a passion for content creation, 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.

• Ideate and develop social media content to amplify the work of Emerson Collective and portfolio partners. 
• Film and edit social videos and graphics using tools including Canva and CapCut.
• Work with teams across the Collective on social media content highlighting both the summer interns and the internship program.
• Conduct research on emerging social media platforms, trends, and successful peer campaigns.
• Analyze engagement data and metrics to help refine EC’s social media strategy and expand audience reach.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in digital communications, media, or a related field. 
• A bold, creative thinker who brings fresh ideas and enjoys experimenting with new formats and storytelling styles.
• Experience creating and editing short-form video and visual content, ideally using tools such as Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of social media trends, platforms, and best practices, with an eye for what resonates across audiences and communities.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data to uncover insights and guide creative direction.
• 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.
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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