Job Description

NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.

Position: Investments Office Intern - Summer 2027

Reports to: Senior Analyst, Strategy and Operations

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Duration: June 8 - August 11, 2027

Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)

About the Foundation

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks, building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news, expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence, and strengthening the well-being of Native communities. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India.

About the Investments Office

The Investments Office manages the Foundation’s $10 billion investment portfolio. The capital is managed within a globally diversified, multi-asset class portfolio with the objective of earning a 5% real return annually. This portfolio is the source of funds for the Foundation’s grant making activity and other organizational expenses.

About the Internship

Responsibilities may include:

• This internship provides exposure to the Investments Office’s multi-asset class portfolio and investment operations.
• Providing analytical, research, and operational support; attend meetings with prospective and current investment managers; and observe and participate in internal discussions where investments decisions are made.
• Complete a summer-long project and present their work to the Investments Office at the end of the summer.
• Support department projects including investment manager due diligence, portfolio or company analysis, market research, financial modeling, or developing AI-enabled tools and workflows.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
• Demonstrated interest in portfolio management and institutional investing.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Coursework or equivalent experience in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, data analysis, or a related field is preferred; investment coursework is a plus.
• Proficiency in Excel and an interest in learning and using AI tools.

This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to 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 the interview process.

Application Process:

The application deadline is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 AT 11:59 PM CST. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “must be returning back to school” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website (www.macfound.org/jobs).

NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.

Work Environment and Reasonable Accommodations

The work environment is an office setting.  Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.