Summer Intern, Sycamore & Oak: Strategic 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 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 Communications intern, you’ll support Roots to Roof - Emerson Collective’s initiative linking sustainable materials and inclusive development - and the Interim Retail Development at Sycamore & Oak through storytelling, engagement, and strategic communications work. You’ll contribute to projects that translate research and data into real-world insights and help develop materials for presentations, events, and partner convenings. Ideal candidates bring strong communication and writing skills, curiosity about urban development and sustainability, and an interest in how storytelling can inspire change at the community level.

• Develop a strategic communications or engagement plan centered around an upcoming activation or event.
• Contribute to storytelling and marketing efforts for Sycamore and Oak,  highlighting community impact and creative collaboration.
• Draft media documents, such as press releases, advisories, and internal talking points.
• Update and manage communications and data tools.
• Assist in preparing materials for presentations, convenings, and digital platforms.

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creativity and resourcefulness in developing new ideas and storytelling approaches.
• Collaborative and flexible, with a positive attitude and comfortable working across teams.
• Curiosity about sustainability, inclusive development, and the power of storytelling to drive awareness and impact.
• High standards for accuracy, quality, and integrity in all work, 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