Equitable Systems Intern - Stagiaire, équité systémique

Equitable Systems Internship

The McConnell Foundation is seeking an intern to support the implementation of a newly refined strategy within its grantmaking portfolio focused on changing the systemic conditions that create or sustain significant disadvantage for communities in Canada. Working closely with the Programs department, and under the supervision of the Systemic Equity team, the intern will help translate the strategy into practical tools, communications, and processes that enable prospective partners and Foundation staff to understand and apply it consistently.

The role will combine strategy implementation, research, communications, and program design, with opportunities to contribute to both internal grantmaking processes and external-facing materials.

Responsibilities

1. Develop practical tools to support implementation of the new funding strategy, including pre-assessment checklists, applicant self-assessment tools, guidance documents, decision aids, and other resources that translate strategic concepts into clear and usable materials.
2. Support the development of external communications about the new strategy, including web and blog content, presentations, current grantee interviews, webinars, FAQs, case studies, and other materials that explain what the Foundation seeks to fund and help prospective applicants assess their alignment.
3. Research and develop examples that bring the strategy to life, including case studies of systems change initiatives and examples illustrating concepts such as systemic disadvantage, pathways to change, opportunity, scale, and durability.
4. Conduct targeted research and landscape analysis to situate the strategy within relevant work across philanthropy and the social sector, identify complementary approaches and emerging practices, and support alignment with related initiatives and partners.
5. Support testing, learning, and refinement of implementation materials, gathering feedback from Foundation colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders through focus group sessions and other means, and helping translate learning into improvements to tools, guidance, and processes.
6. Contribute to broader program implementation and strategic alignment, including preparing briefing materials and presentations, synthesizing information, supporting internal working sessions, and helping ensure consistency between the new strategy, grantmaking processes, measurement approaches, and the Foundation’s broader organizational strategy.

Requirements

Demonstrated interest in social impact, public policy, philanthropy, systems change, or related fields, along with strong judgment, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative information and translate it into clear, practical insights and recommendations.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to explain complex ideas in accessible language and develop high-quality materials for different audiences and formats.