Investments Office Intern – Summer 2027 Blog Post

Allocator Training; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation offers an internship in the Investments Office in Chicago, with hybrid work arrangements for undergraduate students seeking exposure to multi-asset portfolios, investment operations, and analytics.

Responsibilities include supporting analysis, attending meetings with managers, completing a summer project, and developing AI-enabled workflows. Housing assistance may be discussed during interviews.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
• Interest in portfolio management and institutional investing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and with a team.
• Proficiency in Excel; familiarity with AI tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with analytics, research, and operations for Investments Office.
• Attend meetings with investment managers and participate in internal discussions.
• Complete a summer-long project and present findings.
• Support due diligence, portfolio analysis, market research, financial modeling, or developing AI-enabled workflows.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Interest in portfolio management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program

Tools

Excel

AI tools interest

Job description

Experience Level: Intern - Undergraduate

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy, as well as the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. $8.5 billion AUM. Details below.

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.

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.