Community Impact Intern – Miami

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to philanthropy

Job summary

A philanthropic organization is seeking a Community Impact Intern for Summer 2026 in Miami, Florida. This paid internship offers a hands-on opportunity to engage in community-focused projects and advance the organization's mission. As an intern, you will support research, data management, and community engagement. You'll learn essential skills in philanthropy while contributing to meaningful work. Candidates should be undergraduate students or recent graduates with strong analytical and organizational skills. Responsibilities include data collection and mapping local initiatives.

Qualifications

• Research and organizational skills are essential.
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets and datasets.
• Knowledge of Miami and community-centered work.

Responsibilities

• Support data management and community engagement efforts.
• Collect, review and clean data related to grants and initiatives.
• Research organizations and map civic and nonprofit ecosystems.

Skills

Research skills

Data organization

Analytical skills

Clear written communication

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate student or recent graduate

Interest in public policy, urban studies, data science

Job description

Knight Foundation is seeking a Community Impact Intern to join the foundation for Summer 2026. This paid internship offers a hands‑on opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that advances Knight Foundation’s mission.

In this role, the Community Impact Intern will support the team through research, data organization and community‑focused analysis. The intern will contribute to understanding and strengthening Knight Foundation’s Miami portfolio by improving data quality, mapping the local ecosystem and supporting key initiatives.

About Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. Our approach is inclusive and nonpartisan. We value freedom of speech and the press, and we often embrace new and innovative technology to achieve our goals. Our drive to create positive change is amplified by our ability to collaborate internally and with our partners. We look for authenticity, agility, and accountability, knowing we are at our best when we leverage our collective strengths and experiences. We proactively approach our work with a sense of pride and responsibility–adapting, as needed, to the changing realities in our communities.

About the Internship Program

Knight Foundation internships are for 10 weeks, running from early June through mid‑August.

• Pay: $20.00 per hour
• Eligibility: Open to local and non‑local students with the legal right to work in the United States.
• Relocation: Interns are responsible for their own travel and housing costs.

Designed as a reciprocal learning experience, Knight Foundation internships provide students with real responsibility, professional development and exposure to the field of philanthropy, while enabling teams to move important projects forward. Interns gain practical skills, confidence and professional networks through project work and organization‑wide programming.

What You’ll Do

Working closely with the Knight Community Impact team, the intern will support research, data management and community engagement efforts. Responsibilities may include:

• Collecting, reviewing and cleaning data related to grants, partners and community initiatives
• Supporting the accuracy and usability of internal records and portfolio documentation
• Researching and mapping organizations, networks and initiatives across key issue areas in Miami
• Identifying connections, gaps and emerging trends in the local civic and nonprofit ecosystem
• Supporting research, proposal review and data organization related to a signature Knight initiative
• Assisting with synthesis of information about applicants, themes and community impact
• Supporting internal coordination and learning connected to Community Impact work

What You’ll Produce

By the end of the internship, the intern will have contributed to:

• Cleaned, well‑documented datasets that support ongoing portfolio management
• A Miami ecosystem map or summary document highlighting key organizations and relationships
• Project management and research support for a signature Knight initiative

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the summer, the intern will gain experience in:

• How a private foundation operates and supports communities through research, grantmaking and partnerships
• Data collection, cleanup and analysis in a philanthropic context
• Ecosystem mapping and landscape analysis at the city level
• Translating research and data into clear, usable insights
• Balancing strategy, learning and community engagement to inform decision‑making

The intern may also have opportunities to attend internal meetings and cross‑team collaborations, participate in grantee meetings or site visits in Miami, and observe or support convenings and internal learning sessions related to community engagement and grantmaking.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants who are curious about Knight’s work in communities, community development and philanthropy, and who bring strong research and organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications include

• Undergraduate student or recent graduate
• Academic background or interest in public policy, urban studies, data science, sociology, economics, political science, nonprofit management, communications or related fields
• Strong research, data organization and analytical skills
• Comfort working with spreadsheets and datasets
• Clear written communication and ability to summarize complex information
• Interest in civic engagement, community development and place‑based philanthropy
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Thoughtful, reliable and open to feedback
• Knowledge of Miami and interest in supporting community‑centered work

This is a paid, in‑office internship located in Miami, Florida.

For more on Knight Foundation, visitkf.org

Knight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.