Summer Intern

Job Description

Summer Intern, Learning & Evaluation at Houston Endowment Inc.

Are you a bright, intellectually curious student eager to make a tangible difference in the heart of Houston? Houston Endowment Inc. invites you to join our dynamic team as a Summer Intern, contributing to our vision of a vibrant region where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. This is more than an internship; it’s an immersive experience designed to cultivate your professional skills, deepen your understanding of strategic philanthropy, and empower you to support impactful initiatives across public education, civic engagement, and arts & culture.

About Houston Endowment Inc.

Houston Endowment Inc. stands as a cornerstone of philanthropic leadership in Houston, renowned for its commitment to fostering a thriving metropolitan area. Our team embodies a culture of dedication, continuous improvement, and deep connection, united by the pursuit of excellence and a shared belief in bold action. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where high standards, courageous decision-making, unwavering commitment, and genuine connection drive our collective success.

The Opportunity: Shaping Houston’s Future

As a Summer Intern, you will report directly to the Evaluation Officer within our Learning & Evaluation team, with day-to-day guidance from a designated project supervisor. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Foundation’s core mission and strategic priorities. Your project assignments will be carefully curated to align with your academic background and interests, while directly supporting our program team’s critical needs. You could be exploring innovative approaches in public education, strengthening civic participation, or enriching Houston’s arts and cultural landscape. Furthermore, you will contribute to our cross-portfolio learning and evaluation efforts, enhancing how we understand and measure our impact.

What You’ll Do: Core Responsibilities

This immersive internship will provide you with hands-on experience in a variety of capacities:

• Strategic Research & Analysis: Conduct comprehensive landscape scans, identifying emerging trends, key organizations, and pivotal field developments relevant to our strategic priorities in public education, civic engagement, and arts & culture.
• Portfolio Insights: Dive into critical portfolio materials, including grant proposals and reports, to unearth key themes, synthesize insights, and inform strategic decision-making processes.
• Convening Support: Play a vital role in organizing and executing impactful convenings with grantees, fellow funders, and community partners. This includes assisting with meticulous planning, logistical coordination, materials preparation, and synthesizing key insights for actionable outcomes.
• Knowledge Management & Evaluation: Contribute directly to strengthening our learning ecosystem by refining essential tools, templates, and processes that elevate our evaluation and knowledge management practices.
• Capacity Building: Research and compile valuable resources, training programs, and technical assistance opportunities to empower our nonprofit partners and enhance their organizational effectiveness.

Your Growth & Experience at Houston Endowment Inc.

We are dedicated to providing a rich and rewarding internship experience:

• Comprehensive Onboarding: Gain a deep understanding of the philanthropic sector, Houston Endowment’s unique practices, and our core philosophy.
• Engaged Team Member: Actively participate in weekly team lunches, monthly town halls, and various internal engagement activities, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.
• Leadership Exposure: Connect directly with members of our Foundation staff and esteemed leadership teams through dedicated meet-and-greet sessions.
• Showcase Your Work: Collaborate with our communications team to publicly share your summer experiences and project accomplishments, amplifying your impact and visibility.
• Professional Development: Receive continuous guidance to deepen your professional skills, expand your network, and gain invaluable insight into the philanthropic sector.

Who We’re Looking For: Desired Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual who aligns with our mission and values:

• Academic Background: Currently enrolled in a graduate program or an advanced undergraduate program in a relevant field such as public policy, education, social sciences, arts, cultural studies, nonprofit management, or evaluation.
• Analytical Prowess: Possess strong analytical and research skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative information effectively.
• Exceptional Communicator: Exhibit effective written and oral communication skills, including experience in preparing clear summaries, briefs, or research-based assignments tailored for diverse audiences.
• Passion for Philanthropy: Demonstrate a genuine interest in the philanthropic sector and issues related to public education, arts and culture, or civic engagement.
• Organizational Acumen: Proficient in managing multiple tasks, prioritizing workload efficiently, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Unwavering Integrity: Possess sound judgment, an unwavering commitment to organizational values, and strict adherence to compliance standards.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Driven by a desire for continuous improvement in processes, systems, and personal professional growth.
• Collaborative Spirit: Strong interpersonal skills and a natural comfort in working collaboratively with colleagues across various teams.
• Critical Thinker: Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of strategically analyzing data and providing meaningful insights.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with standard office and research tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Box, Qualtrix). Familiarity with data analysis or evaluation tools is a significant plus.

Our Values: The Heart of Houston Endowment Inc.

Working at Houston Endowment Inc. is both an honor and a profound responsibility. We are deeply committed to our core values, and we seek colleagues who share this commitment:

• High Performing: We bring our absolute best every day, upholding high standards, driving for excellence, challenging ourselves, and pursuing continuous improvement with insatiable curiosity.
• Courageous: We embrace an audacious vision, taking proactive steps, calculated risks, and making difficult choices when necessary, all while maintaining optimism and resilience.
• Committed: Our dedication to the mission is paramount. We actively seek and act on feedback, invest in our development, and gather diverse perspectives to achieve superior results.
• Connected: We prioritize building strong relationships, fostering trust, assuming good intentions, practicing generosity of spirit, addressing issues directly, and embracing inclusivity in all partnerships.

Compensation & Internship Logistics

Houston Endowment Inc. offers competitive hourly compensation for this internship, commensurate with your experience and academic level. This summer internship will run from May to August 2026, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate your university schedule. The position typically requires 40 hours per week. Please note office closures on May 25, June 19, and July 3, 2026.

This internship is based in Houston, Texas, following an in-person schedule that fosters collaboration, relationship-building, and deep engagement with staff across the Foundation. We welcome applications from students who currently reside in the Houston area or plan to reside in Houston for the duration of the summer internship.

Ready to Make an Impact? How to Apply

If you are excited by this opportunity to contribute to a vibrant Houston, please complete your online application on the Houston Endowment’s website by February 6, 2026. Be sure to include a compelling cover letter detailing your specific interest in this internship and highlighting the skills and experiences that best prepare you for this unique role. We will contact candidates who most closely match our requirements.

Intern decisions will be announced by March 1, 2026. We sincerely thank you for your interest in Houston Endowment Inc. and look forward to reviewing your application.