Internship Description

The Research and Strategic Initiatives intern will support internal strategic initiatives and client-facing projects through research, analysis, writing, partnership support, and data management. This role is ideal for students who have strong research and writing skills and are interested in impact investing, social impact, social entrepreneurship, or similar fields. Candidates should be highly curious, analytical, and adaptable, and enjoy researching and learning about familiar and unfamiliar topics alike. This role requires the ability to uncover insights from diverse sources and translate complex information into clear, actionable deliverables.

Proudly housed at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, we are a team of expert practitioners with a mission to expand the market for impact investing. We connect capital to positive social and environmental outcomes, conduct applied research, drive innovations in impact, and equip future leaders. Our headquarters, the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter, is a pioneering live/work ecosystem that fosters a shared vision for the betterment of people and the planet. Learn more at sorensonimpactinstitute.com.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep research on a wide range of topics related to impact investing, social impact, economic development, social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and related topics
• Identify, evaluate, and synthesize information from academic publications, industry reports, public data sources, organizational materials, and other resources
• Develop concise research summaries, presentations, and written materials for internal and external audiences
• Support strategic partnership development efforts through note-taking, relationship tracking, and follow-up coordination
• Assist with internal stakeholder engagement database creation, maintenance, and data quality management
• Organize and maintain research files, resources, and project documentation
• Contribute to proposal development, thought leadership, and other strategic initiatives as needed
• Support convenings, stakeholder activities, and other teams as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the junior level or higher; Business, Finance, Economics, Public Policy, International Studies, Social Sciences, Communications, or related fields preferred
• Experience conducting qualitative, quantitative, market, policy, industry, or academic research without reliance on AI
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize complex information clearly and concisely
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple sources
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel/Google Sheets, PowerPoint/Google Slides, and Word/Google Docs
• Familiarity with Airtable strongly preferred
• Familiarity with impact investing, social impact, philanthropy, sustainability, or related fields strongly preferred

Successful Candidates Will Have:

• Interest in impact investing, social impact, social entrepreneurship, or related fields
• Ability to quickly become conversant in unfamiliar subject areas
• Strong critical thinking and research judgment
• Comfort navigating ambiguous or evolving project scopes
• Ability to identify high-quality information, distinguish key insights from background detail, and discern the appropriate use of AI in information gathering
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• The ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Availability to work in-office at the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter on Tuesdays and Thursdays

About the Sorenson Impact Institute

The Sorenson Impact Center with the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah envisions a thriving world where all people are valued, communities prosper, and the measured impact of our actions guides decision making. The Center advances global impact through innovation in impact investing and finance, public policy and government spending, and corporate and social sector behavior with organizations across the globe, and utilizes world-class data science, impact storytelling and collaboration as key tools. As part of its mission to train future impact leaders, the Center integrates academic programming and experiential learning into each of its practice areas.

Notes

*The dynamic nature of work means the student experience becomes more valuable with deeper levels of engagement. To facilitate this experience, students are expected to commit to working 15-20 hours per week for a minimum of two semesters (continuation beyond the first semester is dependent upon meeting the appropriate level of performance).

**The Sorenson Impact Institute strongly encourages diverse applicants (please circulate widely), especially those who self-identify as Black, Native or Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, living with disabilities, neurodivergent, young, speak English as a second language, and others from overlooked/underestimated communities.

*** Due to legal restrictions regarding student employment under certain Visa statuses, Sorenson Impact can not guarantee our ability to pay international students. For international students potentially selected, we commit to working with you and your institution to determine our ability to adequately compensate you for your time and energy. Please reach out with any questions. Impact can not guarantee our ability to pay international students. For international students potentially selected, we commit to working with you and your institution to determine our ability to adequately compensate you for your time and energy. Please reach out with any questions.