The Role
The Political intern will assist with research, campaign support, and operational tasks related to political and electoral strategy at Emerson Collective.
Summary Generated by Built In
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: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
The Opportunity
The Political team focuses on expanding democracy protections at the federal, state, and local levels.
As the Political intern, you’ll help execute a high-impact, integrated political and electoral strategy across our core issue areas, including immigration, education, the environment, and health equity. You’ll conduct research, support campaign and grant work, and help the team stay connected to key partners and developments. Ideal candidates have a demonstrated interest in policy and politics, a strong understanding of social media, current events, and the news cycle, and excellent research and writing skills.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assist with political, grant, and campaign research.
- Use internal tools to support operational efficiency across the team.
- Attend partner meetings, briefings, and convenings as needed, providing in-office meeting support.
- Provide research, input, and guidance related to the organization’s strategic advocacy and political campaigns.
- Draft memos, briefings, and research papers for internal leaders as needed.
- Support and coordinate the Political team’s ability to develop grant proposals of prospective grantees for internal review.
- Regularly track and evaluate success metrics and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results.
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements
- Rising undergraduate junior or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in policy, politics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated awareness of current events, political developments, and media narratives, including comfort navigating traditional and social media sources.
- Adaptable to shifting priorities and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of confidentiality, judgment, and professionalism
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, colleagues, and partners
- Highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and maturity.
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 6: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis
Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 6.
(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
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The Company
What We Do
Emerson Collective deploys a wide range of tools—from impact investing to philanthropy to advocacy
