The Living Cities Fall 2026 Internship Program will run from Tuesday, September , 2026 to Friday, December 04, 2026* (*November/December 2026 depending on project cycle)
Upon applying, please note the internship that you are interested (Summer or Fall 2026) and the team that you are interested to be working under following your resume, CL and essay (more details mentioned below).
Living Cities is a collaborative of leading philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and civic partners who envision and advance inclusive and equitable economic opportunity for all residents in U.S. cities. Through the collective power of philanthropy, financial capital, and local government engagement, we advance inclusive economic opportunity and drive systemic change so all people in urban America can be economically secure, build wealth, and live abundant, dignified, and connected lives.
At the heart of our work is the intentional movement of inclusive capital and the dismantling of barriers that have historically limited access to wealth-building pathways such as homeownership, business ownership, and family financial investment. Our programmatic approach supports catalytic impact investment, city focused community engagement, and applied knowledge. We partner with city governments, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to transform systems, inform narratives, and support strategies that expand economic empowerment for historically underserved communities.
Guided by our core values of collaboration, innovation, leadership, impact, and racial equity and inclusion, our staff, research, investments, and networks fuel collective action toward an equitable and inclusive economy – where opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all.
Role and team:
The Office of the CEO Intern supports the executive operations of Living Cities while working closely with the Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant, and Communications team. The role focuses on strengthening the systems used to manage organizational knowledge and engage board members, funders, member organizations, alumni, and other key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
The intern will maintain and improve stakeholder databases and outreach lists, organize digital records in DocuWare, conduct research on prospective partners and funders, prepare executive briefing materials, and assist with meeting preparation, project tracking, and special projects.
Requirements:
Applicants must be current graduate students or eligible recent graduates. The role requires strong Excel and organizational skills, attention to detail, clear communication, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively. Experience with CRM, email marketing, document management, or project management platforms is preferred.
Role and team:
This intern supports Living Cities’ Local Impact and Innovation Team, which works with municipal leaders and community partners to advance inclusive economic growth and increase the flow of capital to communities. The team combines place-based work with research, innovation, and network building to translate Living Cities’ strategy into practical tools and approaches.
Responsibilities:
The intern will update city profiles and municipal contact databases, organize team resources in DocuWare, research trends in inclusive economic development and civic AI, and help build the Living Cities Methodology in Action Resource Bank. The role also includes preparing research summaries, presentations, briefing materials, and meeting notes.
Requirements:
Applicants must be current graduate students in a relevant field, with eligible recent graduates considered. Strong research, analytical, synthesis, project management, and organizational skills are required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in local government, economic development, community wealth building, racial equity, and collaborative work.
Role and team:
The part-time Research & Communications Intern supports the Center for Wealth Equity, which turns research, local evidence, member knowledge, and partner expertise into practical intelligence about capital access and racial wealth equity. The role combines research, writing, communications, and digital content development.
Responsibilities:
The intern will research topics such as housing, small-business development, capital access, economic mobility, and local investment strategies. They will summarize findings, contribute to briefs and other knowledge products, translate complex information for different audiences, draft social media and newsletter content, develop digital assets, and support communications and dissemination planning.
Requirements:
Applicants should be graduate or advanced undergraduate students in a relevant field. Strong writing, editing, research, and synthesis skills are essential, as is the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and manage multiple assignments. Experience with social media, newsletters, visual storytelling, data visualization, Canva, PowerPoint, Mailchimp, or similar tools are helpful but not required.
Role and team:
The Finance & Accounting Intern supports Living Cities’ Finance & Accounting team while gaining hands-on experience within a mission-driven nonprofit. The role provides exposure to operational accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, audit preparation, and the financial decision-making that supports the organization’s mission.
Responsibilities:
The intern will assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense management, corporate credit card administration, and financial recordkeeping using systems such as Bill.com, Concur, and Sage Intacct. They will also support month-end close activities, account reconciliations, financial workpapers, audit preparation, and projects that strengthen financial processes and compliance.
Requirements:
Applicants must be current undergraduate seniors or graduate students with relevant coursework in accounting, auditing, banking and finance, business law, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively. An interest in nonprofit finance, economic equity, and racial and social justice is important. Prior experience with ERP or CRM systems is helpful but not required.
The Living Cities Internship Program uses a rolling admissions process. This means that applications are considered as received once the position is posted. Our internship program offers opportunities throughout the year. If a senior staff member is interested in your application, you will be contacted to begin the interview process. If selected, you will receive an official offer from the Living Cities Talent and Human Resources department. Once a position is filled, all applicants will be notified by email.
Complete applications will include:
- Your resume (required for all applicants)
- Cover letter – including the Team you are interested in Interning for
- Your current school transcript (does not have to be official)
- 2 Professional references (prior internships, professors or school officials speaking to your character)
- A 500-word essay describing your specific interests, motivation, and experiences in building your knowledge of racial equity and inclusion, research, strategic philanthropy, non-profit finance, policy, urban affairs, and systems change.
- How may your skills and coursework complement the work of Living Cities?
- How may this internship help you to meet your professional goals?
Submit completed applications to [email protected]. Only complete applications will be considered. The Living Cities Internship Program is small and highly selective. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States to be eligible for an internship. Living Cities does not sponsor a work visa for students enrolled in an internship. Selected applicants must be able to produce valid and full work authorization, residency, or citizenship documentation.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years or older upon the start of the internship program and must reside in the United States.
- Internships run for approximately 10-16 weeks (length depends on semester or trimester).
- Applicants must have a 3.0/B average and must submit a copy of school transcripts and proof of enrollment in school.
- Applicants must be willing to work in Living Cities’ hybrid work schedule.
Some internship positions may entail additional eligibility requirements. Read each position description carefully to determine if it matches your qualifications.
If the internship is for school credit, students are responsible for obtaining any appropriate school departmental approvals to determine specific academic assignments required. Living Cities does not issue credit, but we will work with you to complete documentation from your school.
SALARY
- $25.00 per hour; up to 20 hours per week
- Internship Term: up to 13 weeks (September 2026- December 04, 2026)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Hybrid schedule. This Internship operates in a professional office environment.
Racial Equity & Inclusion (REI)
- Foundational knowledge and core concepts
- Understands why racial equity is an integral part of Living Cities’ approach, inside and outside the organization
- Displays clear willingness to learn and apply REI history and concepts REI Practice and Analysis
- Engages with curiosity, humility and openness in discussions about race, equity and power inside and outside of the organization
- Understands how the construct of race has impacted the distribution of power and resources and recognizes its impact on current and future outcomes across systems
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an intern must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
As much of our work is performed on a computer, the intern must be able to remain in a position that allows them to do so effectively. Additionally, they may require some movement around the office to access files or other equipment or technology. As collaboration and communication are a large part of our work, the intern must also be able to exchange information accurately in these situations, whether verbally or in writing.
We will work with each intern to provide reasonable accommodation as needed.
POSITION TYPE
Temporary position with defined dates.
TRAVEL
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
AAP/EEO POLICY STATEMENT
Living Cities is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive team at all levels. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide opportunities to all interns and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Please note this internship description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the intern for this internship period. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
