Summer Intern, Communications: Social Media

Overview

Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world. 

For our summer internship, we’re looking for college students who think big, are eager to take on challenges, and are ready to collaborate with their teams and with one another.

Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, recent college graduates - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED. 

Candidates may apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional submissions will not be considered. 

The Opportunity

The Communications team works across the Collective to set the tone and communicate organizational priorities to ensure internal teams learn and grow together and external audiences understand our values, skills, and expertise. Using a variety of tools like owned and earned media, events, arts and culture, data and research, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement, our communications activities are unique and bespoke. 

As the Social Media intern, you will support the Communications team in conceptualizing, drafting, and creating engaging content for platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We’re looking for someone who possesses a passion for content creation, an eye for detail, energy to learn and grow in a fun environment, excellent written and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Role and Responsibilities 

• Ideate and develop social media content to amplify the work of Emerson Collective and portfolio partners. 
• Film and edit social videos and graphics using tools including Canva and CapCut.
• Work with teams across the Collective on social media content highlighting both the summer interns and the internship program.
• Conduct research on emerging social media platforms, trends, and successful peer campaigns.
• Analyze engagement data and metrics to help refine EC’s social media strategy and expand audience reach.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

• Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in digital communications, media, or a related field. 
• A bold, creative thinker who brings fresh ideas and enjoys experimenting with new formats and storytelling styles.
• Experience creating and editing short-form video and visual content, ideally using tools such as Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of social media trends, platforms, and best practices, with an eye for what resonates across audiences and communities.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data to uncover insights and guide creative direction.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• A proven background in a dynamic and evolving work environment.
• Strong intuition and incredibly perceptive.

Internship Details

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.
 

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, and interviews commence on a rolling basis (Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)
• January 12 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended
• June 10-12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation
• June 15: Internship program begins
• August 7: Internship program concludes