Despite (or because of?) the ice and 20 degree weather here on campus, our thoughts are quickly turning to summer. With graduation and the warm weather comes the opportunity for our team to work with a new cohort of summer associates. Teaching, advising, and working with summer associates are ways we hope our work prepares the next generation of social impact leaders. Summer associates serve as either research associates who help us generate answers to how funders can have high impact, or communication/design associates who help make sure those answers are accessible to those who wish to use them. Below you’ll find descriptions of both roles, along with how candidates can apply to join our 2015 Summer Associate class. The deadline for applying is Sunday, March 15th.
Research associates participate in all aspects of generating analysis, guidance and other content, including research, fact-finding, and literature reviews related to Center projects. Current projects include, but are not limited to:
• Updating our approach to identifying high impact philanthropic opportunities along the pathway to student success
• Analyzing the potential of clean cookstoves to minimize negative environmental impacts
• Engaging funders in effective early childhood investments
• Examining community-based, integrated health delivery models to improve health outcomes in the developing world (e.g., The Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India, and Partners in Health in Haiti)
• Understanding how to address the social impact goals of impact investing, leveraging our partners’ work at Wharton Social Impact Initiative
Research associates also provide support for Center events and educational programs (e.g., drafting and preparing materials, logistical support), provide research and draft content for Center blog and social media channels, and contribute to Center’s ongoing PR, marketing and donor engagement efforts (e.g., drafting/editing correspondence, finding pages for blog and slide decks, etc.)
Ideal candidates should have experience working in an office environment with excellent research and writing ability, strong quantitative analytical skills, and experience with Microsoft Office products. In addition, associates should possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; be self-directed and motivated; be capable of following detailed procedures; and have an interest in tackling new projects. Prior experience working in the nonprofit sector would be helpful.
Communication/design associates participate in all aspects of disseminating our work, including but not limited to:
• Formatting and design of publications (e.g., translate draft text content into final products via InDesign)
• Graphic design (e.g., translate graphic mockups into final products via Photoshop)
• Provide support for Center events and educational programs (e.g., drafting and preparing marketing and class materials; logistical support)
• Contribute to Center’s ongoing donor engagement efforts (e.g., drafting/editing correspondence, creating slide decks and presentations, etc.)
• Social media management (e.g., posting articles and other media on behalf of the Center)
Ideal candidates should have experience working in an office environment with in-depth knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and various social media outlets. In addition, associates should possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; be self-directed and motivated; be capable of following detailed procedures; and have an interest in tackling new projects. Prior experience working in the nonprofit sector would be helpful. Interest in public interest communications, news media, and information systems would be especially helpful.
How to apply for the 2015 summer associate class
Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV, a 1-2 page statement of interest, and two references (at least one from work/research supervisor) to impact@sp2.upenn.edu by midnight on Sunday, March 15, 2015. A limited number of associate stipends are available to candidates who can commit to a minimum of 21 hours a week (scheduling flexible) for at least 6 weeks. Summer associate roles are work-study eligible, and associates currently enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania are eligible for CURF funding, Moelis fellowships, and Wharton SSIF funding.