Research Intern

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Research Intern

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

The EMKF Research internship is designed to provide on-the-job training and experience in research-related initiatives. Students will engage in various work assignments, projects, and activities of varying complexity, structured to enable the intern to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform in a professional research and knowledge generation role. The intern will receive training and mentorship in planning and carrying out activities and assignments. Pursuit of a degree involving research, evaluation,  assessment, or conducting, designing, or managing social science research or evaluations is preferred but not required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides entry-level research support, under the supervision of professional staff, as appropriate to the day-to-day operating objectives of the Foundation.
• Conducts literature reviews and desk research to synthesize secondary sources, historical trends, and existing documentation on topics related to equitable economic mobility.
• Produces written research outputs including research memos, annotated bibliographies, and synthesis documents that support future original research initiatives.
• Undertakes and/or participates in projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise aligned with the Foundation’s needs.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of Foundation projects and initiatives on the Foundation’s Research team.
• Interacts directly with colleagues and/or other internal or external associates to plan and complete day-to-day work assignments.
• Participates in an Internship Service activity.
• Presents an Internship Capstone project.
• Participates in other professional development activities.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on January 30, 2026.

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.