Summer Intern, Philanthropy: Bookstore & Book Access

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 Philanthropy team partners with visionary nonprofits working to create opportunity for individuals and communities. 

As the Bookstore & Book Access intern, youwill support work focused on nonprofit independent bookstores and the role of literary centers in building community, providing book access, and protecting free expression. Throughout the summer, you’ll help draft memos, conduct research, and participate in key meetings/calls that help advance our goal of providing meaningful support to impactful nonprofits. Candidates should have a passion for all things books as well as strong multitasking, research, writing, and communication skills.

Role and Responsibilities

• Conduct research across a variety of topics, including nonprofit bookstores, book access initiatives, and literary community-building efforts, drawing on reports, webinars, and other learning resources.
• Prepare memos and written materials to support strategy and partner engagement.
• Participate in internal meetings and partner conversations that advance our understanding of issues and/or the work of nonprofit partners.
• Track and organize materials, timelines, and follow-up actions across multiple workstreams.
• Support analyses and insights work, including helping to collect or review data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, with demonstrated passion for books, storytelling, and expanding access to reading as a tool for community connection and empowerment.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and identify key insights.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to summarize information clearly and concisely.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Generous and resourceful collaborator, supporting teammates and colleagues as needed.
• Excited by working in an environment where any idea is possible and is driven to help execute to make those ideas happen. 

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