About the MacArthur Foundation:
The MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations, dedicated to fostering creativity and supporting transformative solutions to critical global issues. With a focus on areas like climate change, nuclear risks, criminal justice reform, and local news revitalization, the Foundation is committed to addressing societal challenges that shape our future.
In addition to its global initiatives, the Foundation invests in its hometown of Chicago by supporting inclusive communities and media reform. The Foundation also runs the prestigious MacArthur Fellows program, awarding creative individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and potential.
For more information, visit www.macfound.org.
About the Finance Department:
The Finance Department at the MacArthur Foundation handles the accounting and financial operations for the Foundation and its affiliated organizations, including Arc Chicago LLC and Lever for Change. This department plays a vital role in maintaining financial integrity and transparency, and the FP&A team is specifically focused on managing budgets, financial forecasting, and performance analysis.
As a Financial Planning & Analysis Intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of the financial operations of the Foundation, assisting with financial reporting, budget development, and operational analytics.
Position Overview:
Location: Chicago, Illinois (Hybrid)
Duration: June 10 – August 13, 2025
Compensation: Paid Internship
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is seeking a highly motivated Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Intern for the Summer of 2025. This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, reporting, and operations within a leading nonprofit organization that addresses some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including climate change, criminal justice reform, and global poverty.
This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with hybrid work flexibility, and will report to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. Interns will contribute to a variety of financial projects, gaining valuable skills in financial reporting, data analysis, and forecasting while supporting the Foundation’s mission-driven work.
Internship Responsibilities:
As an FP&A Intern, you will gain valuable exposure to the financial operations of a large philanthropic organization. Key responsibilities include:
- Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), financial scorecards, and dashboards to illustrate the Foundation’s financial performance.
- Conducting historical expense analysis related to the Foundation’s grantmaking programs to assess costs for new and existing initiatives.
- Reviewing and preparing internal reports summarizing budget variance analyses and cost center discussions.
- Analyzing financial metrics for the Foundation’s payout rates, comparing these to industry peers using Form 990-PF data.
- Conducting industry research on finance-related grantmaking operations, including grant payment processes, expense reporting, and multi-year payout strategies.
- Supporting the FP&A team with other financial projects as needed.
This internship provides exposure to the inner workings of a private foundation, where you will develop a deep understanding of nonprofit financial management and gain insight into effective financial reporting and analysis.
Internship Qualifications:
To be eligible for the Financial Planning & Analysis Internship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, entering your Senior year in Fall 2025.
- Majoring in Finance, Accounting, Data Analytics, or a related field.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with PowerBI or other data visualization tools is a plus.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent organizational and data management abilities.
- Strong presentation and writing skills.
Application Process:
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through the MacArthur Foundation website by January 5, 2025. As part of the eligibility requirements, applicants must be returning to school after the internship ends.
Note: Housing assistance may be available for non-local students, and will be discussed during the interview process.
For more information and to apply, visit the official website
Join us in making a lasting impact!
This internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals dedicated to transformative social change. If you’re eager to contribute your financial expertise to important initiatives and gain invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector, we encourage you to apply.
Related
