Foundation Program Intern

ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures.

ECMC Foundation is seeking internship applications for the 2026-27 academic year. As an ECMC Foundation Program Intern, you will play a vital role in supporting the team’s goals and success. Your contributions will include a mission-critical scope of work by assisting with programmatic activities, data and research-related projects, and operations that further the mission of ECMC Foundation.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insights, and exposure in various areas related to postsecondary education, nonprofit management, and philanthropy, particularly in strategic grantmaking efforts.

Our goal is to help interns grow both personally and professionally, enabling them to enhance their project management and communication skills, gain a deeper understanding of philanthropy and higher education, and make a meaningful impact in the social sector.

This role will be located in Minneapolis, MN and will be expected to work a portion of hours in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with topical research on key issues and trends within the field of education and philanthropy
• Perform literature scans and synthesize findings from academic journals, policy briefs, think tank publications, and other relevant sources that align with the Foundation’s priorities
• Collaborate with program officers by providing support to applicants and grantees to further portfolio goals and learning objectives
• Draft correspondence, which may include meeting material, emails, memos, reports, and presentations
• Work independently and within a team on assigned projects and tasks
• Maintain an organized system of tracking, monitoring and prioritizing tasks and projects.
• Support the integrity of the grants management system (Fluxx) by ensuring data is timely, complete, updated, and accurate
• Collaborate with colleagues across the foundation through internal meetings and actively contribute to strategic discussions
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
   

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in education, public policy or related field at an accredited postsecondary institution
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must reside in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.
• Interest in deepening understanding of higher education and/or philanthropy
• Demonstrated experience successfully leveraging interpersonal skills to communicate (written and verbal) effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, Acrobat, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and contribute to a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a team environment, as well as independently or with little supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of related internship and/or volunteer experience in education, the nonprofit sector or related fields
• Demonstrated understanding of needed systems change in higher education Demonstrated experience in project management and research
• Knowledge of and/or lived experience in improving outcomes for underserved populations in postsecondary education
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects

ECMC Foundation may choose to conduct reference checks as part of the hiring process.

The hourly rate for this intern position is $25.00 per hour for graduate students. Interns are expected to work 15 to 20 hours weekly throughout the duration of the internship program, which runs from mid-September to mid-May.

The ECMC Foundation team observes a hybrid work model, working in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and working from home on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The expected schedule will be established upon completion of the hiring process, with consideration to the intern’s academic schedule.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill,