Job Descriptions:
Purpose:
The Chicago Community Trust’s internship program will provide interns with the opportunity to work on a project designed to enhance our impact investment offering for donors, as well as enhance the social impact of our investment assets. This internship will provide a first-hand look at how the Trust evaluates impact investments and offers an opportunity to assist with the creation of a new impact investing product at the Trust.
Duration of Internship:
This internship runs from March 15, 2021 through July 15, 2021. Only candidates who can commit to the entire timeframe will be considered viable.
Hours/Salary:
This internship will work no more than 14 hours per week or 2 full weekdays at a rate of $15.00 per hour. This internship will not receive benefits.
Expected Assignments:
The Chicago Community Trust is currently exploring a strategy to make catalytic investments in Chicago-based impact investment funds with a people/place/product impact thesis. We are hiring an intern to assist with the initial stages of investment due diligence. Specifically, we are looking to determine whether a sufficient number of high-quality, investable Chicago-based funds exists, such that we could create a pooled impact portfolio for our donor-advised funds. The intern will serve as our key due diligence resource on this project, with oversight from our Senior Director of Investments as well as an impact investment consultant.
Research:
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Conduct landscape scan of Chicago-focused impact investment funds and collect inventory of Chicago-based funds with a people/product/place impact thesis;
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Serve as the primary liaison between the Trust and the funds being evaluated;
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Develop an understanding of each fund’s investment and impact characteristics, including:
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Impact philosophy and approach
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Impact measurement capabilities
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Financial risk & return characteristics
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Track record, if applicable
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Investment pipeline
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Investment capacity and timing of commitments
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Design and construct investment overview materials for each fund under evaluation;
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Work with the Trust’s Senior Director of Investments and an external impact investment consultant to determine whether the investment fits the Trust’s criteria.
This description should not be construed to contain every function or responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned. This position will be virtual until the time when all staff of the Trust return to the office.
Required Experience:
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MBA student or graduate with a background in finance or investments;
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Interest in impact investing;
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Commitment to the Chicago community and not-for-profit sector;
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Ability to analyze data, synthesize findings, provide practical, actionable insights, and create clear summary reports.
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
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Excellent organization and analytical skills;
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Proficient in Microsoft Office software programs.
History of The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to advancing metropolitan Chicago and improving the lives of the people who call it home. The Trust serves as a philanthropic partner, connecting the generosity of donors with community needs. Today, following the creation of a new strategic plan in 2018, the Trust stands committed to addressing Chicago’s legacy of systemic inequity and closing the racial wealth gap. With assets of approximately $3 billion, the Trust in partnership with its donors distributes more than $400 million in grants each year. Our unwavering mission is to mobilize resources, people, organizations and ideas in support of this vision for a truly equitable, connected and thriving community.
The Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris (now BMO Harris) bank family. The Chicago Community Trust was the second community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations nationwide.
Since 1915, the Trust has been part of nearly every major civic milestone of the Chicago region. From the creation of Millennium Park and Chicago’s Harris Theater to Leadership Greater Chicago and Chicago Urban League, the Trust has worked to support the people and organizations that have made Chicago a world class city.
Keyword: chicago, community, trust, internship
From: The Chicago Community Trust