Summer Intern, Policy and Government Affairs: Sustainable Agriculture Policy

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 Policy and Government Affairs team leads all policy work across Emerson Collective. 

As the Sustainable Agriculture Policy intern, you’ll work with the Policy and Government Affairs team to support communications, partnerships, and event initiatives that advance Emerson Collective’s work in agriculture policy. Through hands-on research, storytelling, and coordination, you’ll help connect farmer experiences with policymakers, partners, and the public during a pivotal moment for U.S. agriculture. You’ll gain practical experience in policy communications, event planning, and stakeholder engagement while supporting the execution of a cornerstone annual event. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, strong communicators who are passionate about food systems, farming, and climate solutions.

• Support event ideation, logistics, scheduling, and coordination for the team’s annual agriculture policy event.
• Draft social media content, press materials, and event collateral that highlight policy impact, practice adoption, and farmer stories.
• Conduct background research on conservation policy, key stakeholders, and media opportunities to inform strategy.
• Assist in maintaining contact lists, tracking media mentions, and preparing internal updates and funder materials.
• Support outreach and engagement with farmers, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Collect, organize, and manage creative assets, such as photos, videos, and testimonials, for use across campaigns and digital channels.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably studying agriculture, environmental science, public policy, communications, or a related field.
• Strong writing and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated interest or background in agriculture, sustainability, event planning, communications, or public policy.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Canva, and social media platforms.
• Enthusiasm for storytelling and public engagement around food, farming, and climate solutions.

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