Overview
Emerson Collective is a company that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators driven by purpose and a sense of possibility, working to create a world of abundance for future generations.
As with the whole of Emerson Collective, what matters most is that we work with people who are not only the very best at what they do, but also the kindest.
Emerson Collective Internship Program
Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places college-aged students in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our affiliate partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.
Candidates can apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional applications will not be considered.
The Opportunity
E Pluribus Unum (EPU) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive South. EPU focuses on 1) cultivating and empowering courageous leaders who are advancing racial equity, 2) championing transformative policy change, and 3) changing the divisive narratives that perpetuate systemic racism.
The EPU Policy and Government Relations team focuses on building and deepening relationships with elected officials, policymakers, organizations, and other stakeholders in the field to support their efforts to address equity through their official roles. The team also monitors and analyzes equity-focused legislation aligned with EPU’s policy priorities filed in Southern states on the issues of health, education, the criminal legal system, democracy and voting, climate and the environment, and immigration. The EPU Policy and Government Affairs interns will demonstrate thorough research and detail-oriented writing skills. They will have the opportunity to draft programmatic briefings and issue memos supporting critical interests at EPU. Interns will also develop their administrative and organizational capacities by assisting with key activities for EPU’s programs.
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Role and Responsibilities- Build a robust dataset of Southern legislation impacting racial equity using the FiscalNote software platform.
- Contribute to the legislative updates by providing legislative analysis, summaries, trends, and policy research.
- Coordinate outreach to Southern policymakers and elected officials and participate in engagement meetings.
- Produce synthesized summaries of legislation that explain broad policy trends in the South and the impact on the advancement of equity.
- Conduct background research and create briefings on policymakers and elected officials prior to engagement meetings.
- Participate in solution-oriented discussions around equity work in the South and key policymakers.
- Provide written internal summaries and action items from key meetings and discussions.
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements- Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior.
- A demonstrated interest or passion for understanding and supporting efforts to promote racial and class equity.
- Ability to conduct research, gather data, and organize information from various sources to support policy and legislative analysis.
- Interest in analyzing laws, bills, and policies, with an ability to summarize key trends and the potential impact on communities.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise reports and summaries and participate in discussions or briefings.
- Ability to think critically and contribute to discussions around challenges and opportunities related to equity work.
- Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting and engage in cross-functional discussions with colleagues and external partners.
- A proven background in a dynamic and evolving work environment.
- Strong intuition and incredibly perceptive.
- Operate with care, kindness, and a spirit of generosity.
- Excited by working in an environment where any idea is possible and is driven to help execute to make those ideas happen.
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Location
Emerson Collective is a Bay Area-based organization with offices in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. This position is located in New Orleans, LA, and is onsite 40 hours/week between June 9th and August 1st, 2025.
Key Dates
November 18 - January 10: Internship applications accepted, and interviews commence on a rolling basis. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.
January 10 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended.
June 9: Internship program begins.
August 1: Internship program concludes.
Compensation
All EC Interns are paid $25/hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 9th to August 1st (eight weeks). Interns may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.
This position requires being up to date on COVID vaccination consistent with current CDC guidelines, subject to documented religious and/or medical exemptions.
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our mission and values as we strive to create systemic change and open possibilities for all of the communities we serve. To that end, we provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
