Summer Research Interns – Philanthropic Foundation

This is a unique opportunity for a 10-12 week internship at a limited-life Canadian grant making organization that over the next ten years will support three impact areas: the environment, older adults, and early childhood education. You will work in close partnership with all members of the Waltons’ team and report to the impact area Program Director.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in learning about the philanthropic sector and how grantmakers operate and play a role in supporting the non-profit sector.

We are looking for a master’s level student or a university student entering the final year of their undergraduate degree. This role will appeal to a self-starter who can work independently and as part of a team.

Position 1: Focusing on early childhood education and older adults. Candidates should have a background in political science, public policy and/or education or experience related to early childhood and/or older adults.

The selected candidate will work on several projects that could include research to identify successful approaches aimed at improving early literacy and supporting early childhood educators and/or programs and policies to reduce isolation and loneliness for seniors. Candidates may also be asked to synthesize information into reports, briefing notes or presentations.

Position 2: Focusing on the natural environment. Candidates should have a background in studies such as ecology, land conservation, environmental sciences, environmental studies, environmental policy, etc.

The selected candidate will work on several projects that could include research related to Protected and Conserved areas on both public and private lands, including research related to Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and relationships between land trusts and Indigenous communities. Other research topics may include sustainable forestry, agriculture, and/or regenerative ocean agriculture. Candidates may also be asked to synthesize information into reports, briefing notes or presentations.

TASKS:

· Research on specific topics as assigned by Program Directors

· Communicate with non-profit organizations as needed

· Synthesize information into plain language

· Develop materials to summarize findings

· Present information to the team

· Support other areas of the Trust’s work, as required

· Actively participate in Trust-led learning and mentoring sessions to expand the Intern’s knowledge of the philanthropic sector and grant making skills

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Strong research skills

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Experience consolidating and translating data into simple messages

· Strong writing and presentation skills

· Completed a minimum of 3 years of university

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat

· Highly motivated self-starter who can work independently and multi-task in a fast-moving environment with changing priorities

How to Apply:

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements identified. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

If you think you’d be great in this role, e-mail the following to careers @thewaltonstrust.org

· Your resume

· A cover letter that explains your interest in this position and convinces us why you are a fit for the role

CVs without cover letters or with generic cover letters will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in this role.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 10-12 weeks

Salary: $22.00-$24.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON

Expected start date: 2023-05-01