Human Rights Philanthropy Intern

ABOUT US:

Established in 1998, The Schooner Foundation is a private foundation committed to advancing human rights. The Schooner Foundation believes in the fundamental right to a life with dignity, opportunity, and access to resources. To date, the Foundation has provided over $100 million in funding to over 120 organizations domestically and internationally. The Foundation strives to advance human rights by leveraging funds, partnerships and resources where there is the greatest need and opportunity. We invest in equitable, replicable, and scalable solutions across the following areas:

Social Justice  ●  Education  ●  Global Health Equity  ●  Environment  

The Foundation takes an intersectional, impact-driven, and values-centered approach to its human rights grantmaking. The Foundation has invested in exemplary organizations and courageous leaders willing to tackle some of the world’s greatest human rights challenges, including the following:

• Innovative education programs for young Syrian refugees
• Community-based mental health services in Zimbabwe & the United States
• Child & maternal health in rural Burundi
• Investigative journalism & legal action regarding the U.S. criminal justice system
• Grassroots environmental justice defenders globally 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Schooner Foundation Internship Program provides a space for interns to sharpen their skills while gaining exposure and practical training in the philanthropic sector. Interns will work to promote and administer various stages of the grantmaking cycle through writing, research, data management, and operations projects.

This in-person Internship will be approximately 10 weeks, and will run alongside the 2023 Spring Semester (starting at the beginning of February, and finishing at the end of April). As this is an unpaid internship, we do require that students receive academic credit through their institution, and we are willing to work with both the student intern and the institution to help make this work for all parties. 

This internship will require time spent physically in our office, located in downtown Boston. Interns will work approximately 10 hours a week and at least two work days per week in the office. We are flexible with schedules, so we encourage students to apply. Applications will be accepted through December 26, 2022.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• An undergraduate or graduate student from any academic focus area – we value being able to use your knowledge to bring a unique perspective to the internship, more so than your specific major. 
• Excellent written – and verbal – communication skills
• Someone who is highly detail-oriented
• Ability to adapt to and work in a fast-paced environment
• Initiative, resourcefulness, flexibility, and the ability to work well independently
• Strong analytical and research abilities
• Ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion
• Someone who shares our values respect, trust, humility, and dignity. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, demonstrating respect in all of our interactions, developing trust-based and collaborative relationships with our portfolio partners and peers, and upholding our commitment to human rights. We strive to lead with integrity, collaborate with curiosity, and commit to lifelong learning.
• Ability to meet time commitment and availability requirements outlined above

POTENTIAL PROJECTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE

• Conducting research and due diligence on current and potential grantees to support decision-making
• Managing and optimizing data management and information systems
• Support the daily operations of the organization to ensure efficient and effective workflows
• Additional projects tailored to your skills and learning objectives

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING AT THE SCHOONER FOUNDATION:

• You will learn firsthand how a grantmaking organization operates and acquire a deeper understanding of the role philanthropic organizations play in promoting and advancing social justice and human rights.
• We prioritize your professional growth and give attention to developing relevant, transferable skills to set you up for the next steps toward a meaningful career.
• You will have ownership over your projects. 
• You’ll gain valuable exposure to the wide range of grantees and their work.
• Your internship will have real impact around the world – in 2022, we granted over $8M to nearly 100 organizations working, both domestically (including indingenous communities in Navajo Nation and Rosebud Reservation) and internationally (including Nepal, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Myanmar, to name a few).
• We believe people work best when they’re happy – we offer a flexible work schedule in a friendly, collaborative work environment.

NOTE: This is an unpaid internship for academic credit. Observant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, this internship is in compliance with the US Department of Labor’s guidelines for unpaid internships. 

How to Apply Section:

Please send a copy of your cover letter, resume, two references, as well as two strong writing samples (each 600 words maximum) to Phoebe Gantner, Foundation Associate, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through December 26, 2022. Eligible candidates will be contacted to schedule a preliminary phone screening.

We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran.