HR Intern

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Human Resources Intern will support the Director in a variety of administrative and people-focused functions. This internship provides hands-on experience in core areas of human resources including recruitment and hiring, leadership development, conflict resolution, and document organization. The intern will gain practical knowledge of HR operations within a nonprofit environment and develop key professional skills to support future career success.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Gain familiarity with recruitment and hiring processes, including posting job openings, screening applications, scheduling interviews, and participating in onboarding activities.
• Support leadership and staff development initiatives by helping plan trainings and team-building events.
• Observe and assist in conflict resolution discussions and learn techniques for promoting positive workplace communication.
• Maintain and organize employee records and HR documents to ensure compliance and confidentiality.
• Participate in meetings, shadow the Business Operations Director, and contribute to department projects as assigned.
• Uphold YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the hiring and onboarding process in a nonprofit organization.
• Identify and apply leadership principles in supporting staff and volunteers.
• Recognize and practice effective conflict resolution and communication strategies in a professional setting.
• Maintain and organize HR documentation in alignment with confidentiality and compliance standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• General Physical Activity: Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, lift arms, and occasionally lift 10–25 pounds.
• Manual Dexterity: Must demonstrate fine motor skills to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment accurately.
• Communication Abilities: Requires auditory, visual, and verbal skills to interact effectively in person and via phone with volunteers, donors, staff, and the public.
• Vision Requirements: Must have close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment Interaction: Frequent interaction with various stakeholders; must be comfortable engaging in dynamic and collaborative settings.

BENEFITS:

• Hands-on HR experience in a collaborative nonprofit environment.
• Mentorship and feedback from an HR professional.
• Opportunity to build leadership and communication skills.
• Eligible for academic credit (if approved by school).