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Summer Social Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Faculty Innovation Fund 2023

Hamilton, NY · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

... social and political issues . Preference is given to proposals with a clearly articulated ... Innovation projects may take place during the academic year or over the summer and are open to all ...

Our Access & Innovation Program provides legal advice and technical assistance to healthcare ... A demonstrated commitment to social justice and an interest in reproductive health, rights, and ...

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Summer Social Innovation information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do summer social innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer social innovation in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer social innovation?

A Summer Social Innovation job typically refers to a temporary, project-based position during the summer months that focuses on developing and implementing creative solutions to social challenges. These jobs often involve working with nonprofits, startups, or community organizations to address issues like education, health, environment, or inequality. Participants may engage in research, program development, community outreach, or advocacy work. The goal is to drive positive change while gaining hands-on experience in social impact fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer social innovation intern?

To thrive as a Summer Social Innovation Intern, you need a background in social sciences, project management, and research, often supported by current university enrollment or relevant coursework. Familiarity with design thinking methodologies, data analysis tools, and collaboration platforms like Slack or Trello is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to work in diverse teams are vital soft skills for this position. These skills enable interns to effectively develop and implement innovative solutions to social challenges while collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced in a summer social innovation role, and how can candidates prepare to overcome them?

In a Summer Social Innovation role, one common challenge is adapting quickly to new team dynamics and project scopes, as these positions are often fast-paced and collaborative. Candidates may also encounter limited resources or ambiguous problem statements, requiring creative problem-solving and resilience. To prepare, applicants should demonstrate adaptability, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn from diverse team members. Proactively seeking feedback and staying open to iterative processes can help maximize your impact during the program.

What is the difference between Summer Social Innovation vs Summer Community Organizer?

AspectSummer Social InnovationSummer Community Organizer
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework, volunteer experience, sometimes related certificationsCommunity engagement experience, strong communication skills, sometimes certifications in community work
Work EnvironmentNonprofits, social enterprises, think tanks, often project-basedLocal community centers, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, outdoor and indoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by social innovation labs, nonprofits, and educational programsCommon in grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and civic groups

Summer Social Innovation focuses on developing new solutions to social problems through research, design, and innovative projects. In contrast, Summer Community Organizer emphasizes mobilizing and engaging community members to address local issues through outreach and events. Both roles involve community impact but differ in approach and scope.

More about Summer Social Innovation jobs

What cities are hiring for Summer Social Innovation jobs?

Cities with the most Summer Social Innovation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Innovation jobs?

The most popular types of Social Innovation jobs are:

What states have the most Summer Social Innovation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Summer Social Innovation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Summer Social Innovation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

William Randolph Hearst Fellow

Aspen Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION
The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to inform and maximize the impact of grantmaking foundations, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships through leadership development initiatives, convenings, and communications so that each can contribute to the good society at home and abroad. Established in 1995, the William Randolph Hearst Fellowship opens students to new career pathways in the social sector. The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship to one student three times annually.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, DC offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship to one student three times annually (either in the fall, spring, or summer). The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI either remotely or in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute. Through this fellowship, PSI seeks to introduce a broad range of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
This role will report directly to the Philanthropy and Social Innovation Leadership. Summer fellows will work approximately 15-20 hours per week with an hourly pay range of $18.50 - $19.00/hr.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Through the duration of the Hearst Fellowship, you will undertake research, writing, logistical, and administrative support for PSI's leadership initiatives, public programs, and convenings. Please note this is a working fellowship, not a fellowship to support independent research.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE
  • Candidates for this fellowship are highly motivated graduate or undergraduate students.
  • Candidates must be enrolled at an institution of higher education for the semester for which they will be applying.
  • Summer candidates must show proof of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester
  • Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If hired, a Form 1-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

TO APPLY
To apply, you will need to submit a current resume, cover letter. Students who are selected to be interviewed must provide an unofficial transcript, writing sample, and at least one letter of recommendations OR reference from a professor or supervisor (past or present), which can be included with your application or sent separately.
Each candidate should have an excellent academic record and address the following factors in the cover letter accompanying their applications:
  1. Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector;
  2. Excellent research and writing skills;
  3. Demonstrated financial need;
  4. How you would bring your unique perspectives and experiences to the fellowship

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.
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