Summer Intern, E Pluribus Unum: Executive Office

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

E Pluribus Unum (EPU) works with leaders and communities across the American South, equipping them with tools, programs, and support to bridge divides and foster connections across differences. 

As an Executive Office intern, you’ll work closely with senior leadership, gaining valuable experience in nonprofit management, strategic operations, and organizational governance. You will assist with administrative tasks, project coordination, strategic planning, research, and communication efforts that support the organization’s mission.

• Provide general administrative assistance to the Executive Director and senior leadership, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, managing communications, and maintaining records.
• Assist in organizing meetings and other executive functions, including drafting agendas, taking notes, and following up on action items.
• Conduct research on topics relevant to the organization’s programs, initiatives, and funding opportunities, and summarize findings for senior leadership.
• Assist with the coordination and execution of special projects, including event planning, program development, and outreach efforts.
• Maintain and organize documents, records, and files in both digital and physical formats, ensuring confidentiality and accessibility.
•  Support daily office operations, such as answering calls, managing office supplies, and assisting with any ad-hoc requests from the Executive Office.

• Rising undergraduate junior or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Strong research and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated interest in nonprofit work, community development, and social impact.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise reports and summaries, and engage in briefings and cross-functional discussions with colleagues and external partners.
• Proactive and resourceful problem solver with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Interest in bringing people together across the American South to address shared challenges through dialogue, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.

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