Internships

Research Internship

The Utah Foundation offers one paid internship each semester and may accept additional unpaid – stipended – interns. 

The Intern will work with staff to collect, analyze, and synthesize research into deliverable reports. The Intern may be assigned to multiple projects with varying degrees of involvement. The Intern has the opportunity to work with an array of research topics. Past Utah Foundation reports have included, but are not limited to the following:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Air quality
• Taxes
• Water supply and quality
• Crime and safety
• Partisan politics

Each Intern’s assistance will be recognized on published reports. 

Because the Utah Foundation strives to encourage informed public policy, the Intern will be expected to professionally engage with sensitive data and discard prior biases to best represent factual evidence gathered during the internship experience.

Internship Details:  

The Utah Foundation is a hybrid workplace organization. Communication and collaboration will occur in both in-person and online environments.

Interns are expected to work 12-20 hours over the course of a semester. Hours, begin and end dates, and holiday schedule will be agreed upon with direct supervisor.

The Intern is encouraged to seek internship course credit through their university. 

Projects/Learning Outcomes:  

• The Intern will become familiar with and proficient in public policy research methods; the Intern will utilize these skills to analyze, synthesize, and report on data as assigned.  
• The Intern may work with staff to develop and compile draft and final reports.  
• The Intern will collaborate with staff to support research initiatives as assigned.  
• The Intern will gain experience of how small non-profits operate, and may help staff with administrative projects, communications, and events.

Qualifications and Requirements:  

• Independent and creative self-starter.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, and presentation).
• Professional presence and demeanor.

How to Apply:

Please email a resume, letter of intent, unofficial transcript, and writing sample to Christopher Collard ([email protected]).

The application deadlines are April 1st for summer semester (May-August), August 1st for fall semester (September-December) and December 1st for winter semester (January-April).

Communications Internship

The Utah Foundation offers one paid communications internship each semester and may accept additional unpaid interns with a stipend.
This internship is ideal for students interested in public affairs, strategic communication, journalism, or nonprofit outreach. Interns will help translate complex public policy research into accessible, engaging content for broader audiences. Working closely with staff, the Communications Intern will support efforts to amplify the Utah Foundation’s impact through media, events, and public engagement initiatives.

Internship Responsibilities

Communications Interns may assist with:

• Drafting and editing press releases and public-facing summaries of research.
• Organizing media roundtables and other stakeholder engagement events.
• Planning and implementing social media campaigns to broaden research outreach.
• Providing input on visual and editorial strategies to enhance public accessibility of reports.
• Supporting staff in the planning and execution of public events.
• Advising on tone, format, and messaging to reach diverse audiences effectively.

Each intern’s contributions will be recognized in public communications where applicable.

Internship Details

• Work Environment: The Utah Foundation operates as a hybrid workplace, with both in-person and remote collaboration.
• Time Commitment: Interns are expected to work 12–20 hours per week over the course of the semester. Specific schedules will be arranged with the intern’s supervisor.
• Credit Option: Interns are encouraged to pursue academic credit through their college or university, if available.

Learning Outcomes

The Communications Intern will:

• Gain real-world experience in public policy communications and in the day-to-day workings of a nonprofit.
• Develop and apply skills in public writing, media relations, and digital strategy.
• Contribute to initiatives that bridge the gap between technical research and public understanding.
• Learn how a mission-driven nonprofit communicates with policymakers, the media, and the general public.

Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in public policy, media, or nonprofit communications.
• Creative and strategic thinker with attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital tools.

How to Apply:

Please email a resume, letter of intent, unofficial transcript, and writing sample to Christopher Collard ([email protected]).

The application deadlines are April 1st for summer semester (May-August), August 1st for fall semester (September-December) and December 1st for winter semester (January-April).