Executive Leadership (EL) Intern en UNCF

Intern Job Title:       Executive Leadership Intern    

Department:            Institute of Capacity Building

Reports To:             Senior Program Manager

FLSA Status:           Non-Exempt               

Compensation:       Stipend of $4,000 total for the duration of the program(equivalent to approximately $19.05/hour. This does not include lodging)    

Hours Per Week:     21 Hours  

Location:                  Atlanta, GA (Must be local to location of office)

End Date:                 December 19, 2025

We’re excited you’re interested in this internship! Take a moment to read through the full job description to learn more about the opportunity. Be sure to also check the application instructions at the end of job description and upload all required documents so your application can be fully considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Department Overview

The Executive Leadership vertical supports the development of senior leaders across HBCUs through strategic programming, governance support, and leadership development initiatives. The team works to strengthen institutional capacity and drive innovation in higher education.

Job Overview:

The Executive Leadership Intern will support the Senior Program Manager in the operation and execution of the Executive Leadership vertical. This role offers exposure to leadership development, governance, and strategic initiatives that impact HBCUs. Through hands-on projects, meeting participation, and mentorship, the intern will gain insight into how national higher education organizations design and deliver executive leadership programming.

ABOUT UNCF  

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

• Research & Analysis – Compile and synthesize information on executive leadership, governance, and higher education trends to inform program design and delivery. 
• Program Support – Assist in the coordination of leadership programs, including drafting materials, managing logistics, and supporting virtual meetings. 
• Operational Support – Support the Senior Program Manager in day-to-day execution of the Executive Leadership vertical, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 
• Stakeholder Engagement – Participate in leadership meetings and trainings to gain exposure to cross-departmental collaboration and high-level decision-making. 
• Professional Development – Receive regular mentorship and feedback, with opportunities to reflect on learning, build professional skills, and explore career pathways in higher education and nonprofit leadership.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher preferred.
• Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited program.
• Interest in higher education, nonprofit management, leadership development, or organizational change
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to conduct research, synthesize information, and produce professional documents
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams)
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Bi-weekly meetings with executive leadership to observe strategy, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.
• Weekly check-ins with the Senior Program Manager to review assignments, receive feedback, and discuss professional development.
• Participation in appropriate internal meetings and trainings as they arise, including cross-functional team collaborations.
• Opportunities to attend select external convenings, webinars, or workshops aligned with executive leadership and higher education.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply for this internship, please submit your application online and include the following uploaded documents with application for consideration:

• A current resume
• Applicants must provide an unofficial transcript demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• *Professional Reference (include name, email, and phone number)
• *Recommendation Letter

*Cannot be a family member. 

Only completed applications submitted through the online portal will be considered. 

Background checks required.

UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V