Communications and Scholar Experience Intern

JKCF Internship Program Overview

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $332 million in scholarships to nearly 3,900 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive educational advising, career counseling, and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $144 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

The Foundation seeks motivated college students to join our intern team. Foundation Interns can expect a full-time, paid position from late-May through mid-August (minimum of 350 hours). Interns will engage in meaningful work alongside Foundation staff within their chosen internship focus to gain real hands-on experience, as well as broader exposure to the work of private foundations.

Communications and Scholar Experience Summer Intern Role

The Communications and Scholar Experience Intern supports the Communications and Scholar Experience teams working on special projects and events. Responsibilities may include assisting with researching and updating Alumni information, document preparation, communications, social media, data entry, and other administrative tasks. The intern will also support preparations and logistics for special events, as well as provide on-site support during events.

Principal Responsibilities

• Conduct research and update information related to Cooke Scholars and Alums, higher education and nonprofit practices, career services, and broader alumni engagement.
• Assist with producing program materials, including basic editing and formatting, creating visuals, synthesizing data, and compiling references.
• Assist with communications, developing written materials, and drafting emails for the scholarship programs and the events departments.
• Assist the Scholar Experience team with event planning and logistics, which may include schedule development, venue set-up, material preparation, supply procurement, and registration management.
• Provides administrative support to the Scholar Experience team as directed.
• Provide on-site support during events, which may include assisting with attendee travel days, preparing rooms for presentations and special events, assisting the Events Manager, and helping with all customer service-related matters for program participants and staff.
• Support preparations for special events such as banquets and other activities.
• Communicates effectively with program Staff, and, as necessary, with Scholars and their families.
• Works collaboratively with others to complete projects and goals.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Currently pursuing associate, bachelor, or graduate education or have graduated within 6 months of start date.
• Experience in a professional office setting preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and interpersonal relations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Positive team player eager to take initiative on multiple projects.
• Strong attention to detail & organizational skills.
• Must be available to work some nights and weekends to staff events.
• Access to personal transportation/housing is required.

Location and Type of Work

This position will primarily work from our headquarters office in Lansdowne, Virginia, to maintain a connection to their colleagues and foster a sense of cross-functional collaboration. Our permanent hybrid work schedule is Tuesday and Wednesday in-office, with some flexibility to work remote on other days. This position will be required to work some nights and weekends to staff events, which includes our Scholars Weekend Event on July 31 – August 3.