Arnold Ventures Summer Internship

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy whose core objective is to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We are dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. We invest in sustainable change, building it from the ground up based on research, deep thinking, and a strong foundation of evidence. We drive public conversation, craft policy, and inspire action through education and advocacy.

Location: Houston, TX, or Washington, D.C.

Compensation: $25/hour and a $5,000 stipend to support housing or transportation costs during the internship

Term: June 2-August 8, 2025

Applications due by January 5, 2025

The Internship Program

The AV summer internship program is an immersive 10-week program that provides interns with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of and experience in the philanthropic sector. Each intern will be assigned a project manager to oversee their work and a mentor to support their growth and development. Additionally, the program includes a robust line-up of professional development and networking opportunities with AV team members and external partners.

Depending on AV’s organizational needs, interns will be assigned to one of our programmatic or operational teams with the goal that, at the conclusion of their internship, they will walk away with a deeper understanding of philanthropy, potential opportunities within this sector, and a broader understanding of what is possible for them from a growth a development perspective.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct research on various topics related to AV’s initiative areas
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and oversight of current and potential AV grants
• Compose, fact-check, and edit policy papers, letters, website content, Salesforce records, and other written materials
• Participate in meetings with current and potential grantees and local, state, and federal government stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Be full-time rising junior or senior undergraduate
• Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in policy, research, and legislative developments
• Strong ability to analyze policy, research, and related data and information for strategic insights
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to summarize and communicate key takeaways to diverse, nontechnical audiences
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills
• Commit to a full-time schedule for the duration of the program

Expected Travel: Interns based in our Washington, D.C. office will travel to Houston for onboarding the week of June 2, and interns based in our Houston office will travel to our D.C. office July 7-11. Arnold Ventures will cover airfare, meal, and lodging expenses.

Summer Fridays: In the summer, Arnold Ventures has alternating Fridays off which overlap with our internship on the following dates: June 8 and 20, July 18, and August 1.

Holidays: Juneteenth and Independence Day.

Hybrid work: Arnold Ventures has implemented a 4-1 hybrid model, with four days in the office and one day of remote work.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help Arnold Ventures achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of Arnold Ventures’ work culture.

• We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity
• We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback
• We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects
• We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals

Arnold Ventures’ values reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Arnold Ventures team to make a difference.

• • Respect for Ourselves & Others
  • Audacious Action
  • Collaborative Engagement
  • Depth of Thought
  • Clear Communication

Arnold Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, Arnold Ventures is committed to employing individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. Members of historically marginalized communities and candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply.