Summer Intern, Sycamore & Oak: Community Engagement

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 Sycamore & Oak team brings together community leaders, developers, and designers to create regenerative, mass timber projects that unite sustainability, local ownership, and lasting economic opportunity.

As the Community Engagement intern, you’ll focus on advancing place-based equity, civic participation, and inclusive community development. You’ll conduct research, support community mapping, and help create materials for presentations and convenings that elevate local voices and ideas. You’ll collaborate closely with teammates across Emerson Collective and community partners committed to social and economic equity. Ideal candidates are thoughtful, curious, and community-minded, with strong communication skills and a deep interest in how listening and storytelling can drive positive change.

• Conduct research and data analysis on community equity, civic participation, and local impact.
• Support the development of community engagement plans and equity-centered initiatives.
• Assist in creating presentations and reports for meetings and convenings.
• Contribute to storytelling efforts that highlight the voices and experiences of community partners.
• Collaborate across teams to identify opportunities for inclusive impact.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a degree in social work, communications, non-profit management, urban studies, public policy, public health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in community engagement, equity, and inclusive development, and passion for EC’s work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor materials for different audiences.
• Organized, adaptable, and proactive, with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.
• Collaborative and creative, bringing curiosity and problem-solving skills to complex community issues.
• Operates with care, humility, and respect in all community and team interactions.
• High standards for accuracy, quality, and integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.

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