Investments Office Intern – Summer 2027

ImpactAlpha; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Mentorship from investment analysts

Exposure to institutional asset管理

Housing assistance potential

Job summary

MacArthur Foundation in Chicago offers an Investments Office Intern – Summer 2027. This nine-week program provides undergraduates with hands-on exposure to multi-asset portfolio operations, meetings with investment managers, and a substantial summer project.

Interns contribute to research, financial modeling, and AI-enabled tool development while gaining professional mentorship. You will work in a hybrid setting, present findings to the team, and support due diligence and market research as part

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited institution.
• Interest in portfolio management and institutional investing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with intellectual curiosity.
• Attention to detail in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Clear written communication skills with ability to prepare reports and presentations.
• Clear verbal communication skills with ability to articulate ideas in meetings and discussions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently on assigned projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively within team environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Interest in learning and using artificial intelligence tools and applications.
• Coursework or equivalent experience in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, or data analysis is preferred.
• Investment coursework is a plus.
• Must be returning to school following the summer internship.
• Ability to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical, research, and operational support to the Investments Office team.
• Attend meetings with prospective and current investment managers and document key insights.
• Observe and actively participate in internal discussions and meetings where investment decisions are made.
• Complete a comprehensive summer-long project involving independent research and analysis.
• Present summer project work and findings to the Investments Office team at the conclusion of the internship.
• Support department projects including investment manager due diligence assessments.
• Conduct portfolio or company analysis using available data and research tools.
• Perform market research relevant to investment decisions and portfolio strategy.
• Develop financial models to support investment analysis and decision-making.
• Assist in developing and testing AI-enabled tools and workflows for investment operations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Independence

Team collaboration

Curiosity

Finance basics

Data analysis

AI tools interest

Education

Undergrad student

Tools

Excel

Job description

About MacArthur Foundation

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1970, the Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks with the mission of building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. With a significant endowment and substantial annual grantmaking capacity, MacArthur has established itself as a leader in strategic philanthropy and social impact investment. The Foundation’s work spans multiple critical areas, including advancing global climate solutions, promoting local justice reform throughout the United States, revitalizing local news ecosystems, expanding participation in artificial intelligence development and benefits, and strengthening the well-being of Native American communities. MacArthur is renowned for administering the prestigious MacArthur Fellows Program, which recognizes and supports exceptional individuals showing potential for future achievement, and the global 100&Change competition, which identifies and funds transformative social change solutions. Beyond its programmatic work, MacArthur maintains a historic commitment to supporting journalism and its role in sustaining responsive democracy, as well as fostering the vitality and cultural richness of its headquarters city, Chicago. The Foundation also maintains international offices in Nigeria and India, reflecting its global perspective on addressing pressing social challenges. The organization manages a diversified investment portfolio valued at approximately ten billion dollars, which generates the capital necessary for grant-making activities and operational expenses.

About this Role

The Investments Office Intern – Summer 2027 position offers undergraduate students comprehensive exposure to institutional investment management and portfolio operations within one of America’s leading philanthropic organizations. This nine-week summer internship runs from June 8 through August 11, 2027, and provides interns with direct experience in the Foundation’s multi-asset class investment portfolio operations and decision-making processes. The internship is designed to provide meaningful professional development through hands-on analytical work, collaborative learning opportunities, and exposure to sophisticated investment management practices. Interns will work alongside experienced investment professionals, attending meetings with prospective and current investment managers while observing and participating in internal discussions where significant investment decisions are made. The position reports to the Senior Analyst, Strategy and Operations within the Investments Office. A significant component of the internship includes completion of a substantial summer-long independent or collaborative project. Interns will be expected to conduct research, perform analysis, and develop conclusions or recommendations related to investment strategy, portfolio management, or operational processes. At the conclusion of the summer program, interns will present their findings and work product to the entire Investments Office team.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytical, research, and operational support to the Investments Office team
• Attend meetings with prospective and current investment managers and document key insights
• Observe and actively participate in internal discussions and meetings where investment decisions are made
• Complete a comprehensive summer-long project involving independent research and analysis
• Present summer project work and findings to the Investments Office team at the conclusion of the internship
• Support department projects including investment manager due diligence assessments
• Conduct portfolio or company analysis using available data and research tools
• Perform market research relevant to investment decisions and portfolio strategy
• Develop financial models to support investment analysis and decision-making
• Assist in developing and testing AI-enabled tools and workflows for investment operations

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited institution
• Demonstrated interest in portfolio management and institutional investing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with intellectual curiosity
• Attention to detail in quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Clear written communication skills with ability to prepare reports and presentations
• Clear verbal communication skills with ability to articulate ideas in meetings and discussions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work independently on assigned projects
• Ability to work collaboratively within team environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Interest in learning and using artificial intelligence tools and applications
• Coursework or equivalent experience in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, or data analysis is preferred
• Investment coursework is a plus
• Must be returning to school following the summer internship
• Ability to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program

Benefits

• Paid internship position with hourly compensation
• Exposure to institutional asset management on a global scale
• Experience working with a ten billion dollar diversified investment portfolio
• Mentorship from experienced investment professionals and analysts
• Participation in investment manager meetings and networking opportunities
• Opportunity to work on substantive projects with real organizational impact
• Hybrid work arrangement with designated in-office and virtual work days
• Potential housing assistance for non-local students (to be discussed during interview process)
• Professional development and learning in advanced investment management practices
• Experience with AI-enabled investment tools and emerging financial technologies
• Association with a prestigious foundation with significant global impact
• Networking opportunities within the philanthropic and investment management sectors