New Work Exploration Intern - Summer 2027

MacArthur Foundation•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New Work Exploration Intern will help the team explore how philanthropy can support young people’s well-being, voice, and agency. Working with the Research Project Manager and other colleagues, the intern will gain hands-on experience translating research and stakeholder perspectives into program strategy, planning, internal communications, and knowledge sharing. This is a mentored learning experience whose assignments will evolve with team priorities and the intern’s interests, with regular guidance and feedback. The internship is based in Chicago, Illinois, in a hybrid work environment with designated in-office and virtual days. Interns must reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during interviews. The internship runs from June 8 through August 11, 2027, and is paid, with hourly rates starting at $22.00. Students must be returning to school to be eligible. The work environment is an office setting; reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Requirements

Be an undergraduate or graduate student in public policy, social sciences, nonprofit management, public health, science, and/or humanities.
Have experience and interest in approaches to youth engagement, building voice and agency, and/or supporting mental health and well-being.
Have strong research and writing skills.
Have internet and social media fluency.
Be flexible and able to manage multiple assignments.
Be returning to school to be eligible for the internship.
Reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program.

Nice To Haves

Some prior interaction with nonprofit organizations is desired.
Experience with efforts supporting young people ages 13–25 as they learn and develop and practice skills in fields such as civic engagement, organizing, justice, climate, journalism, and/or arts and culture is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct and synthesize research on relevant issues, organizations, philanthropic approaches, and the Foundation’s internal practices and archives, producing briefs to inform strategy and planning.
Research approaches to meaningful youth participation and support stakeholder engagement through outreach messages, meeting preparation, and participation in conversations, convenings, or site visits as opportunities arise.
Analyze potential and current grant recipients’ efforts to engage and/or support positive outcomes for youth in pursuit of their missions and goals.
Develop and present a final project selected with the team that reflects the intern’s interests, synthesizes their learning, and contributes to the department’s work. Possible formats include a research brief, practical toolkit, stakeholder landscape, or another agreed-upon resource.
Participate in team meetings, staff learning opportunities, and regular mentorship and feedback sessions.
Contribute to related short-term research, planning, or program activities as needs arise.