2025 Summer Associates
The Bay Area Council is seeking four associates as part of our 2025 summer internship program. Positions are open to Juniors, Seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates.
About the Institute and the Council
The Bay Area Council Economic Institute is a chartered program of the Bay Area Council Foundation. Through its economic and policy research and partnerships over the last 30 years, the Economic Institute has addressed major issues including infrastructure, housing, homelessness, climate change, science and technology, and governance.
The Bay Area Council is an employer-sponsored, public policy advocacy organization for the nine-county Bay Area. The Council proactively advocates for a strong economy, a vital business environment, and a better quality of life for everyone who lives in the Bay Area.
Open Positions
- Summer Data Associate
- Summer Policy and Research Associate
- Summer Business Development Associate
- Summer Communications Associate
1. Summer Data Associate
The Bay Area Council Economic Institute is seeking a paid Summer Data Associate with strong data skills and an interest in public policy and urban economics. The primary responsibility of this role is to design and build an interactive, web-based data dashboard that will be featured on our site, serving as a central platform for tracking and communicating key indicators of the Bay Area’s economic health in an accessible, engaging format.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collecting, cleaning, and managing diverse economic and demographic datasets
- Conducting exploratory data analysis to identify trends and insights
- Designing and developing compelling data visualizations and dashboards
- Communicating findings through data storytelling, written summaries, and presentations
Ideal candidates will have:
- Comfort working with large, complex datasets
- Proficiency in statistical programming softwares such as Python, R, or Stata
- Experience with data visualization platforms like Tableau, Shiny, Power BI, or similar tools for building interactive dashboards and visual reports
- A passion for using data to inform public policy and urban planning
- An ability to translate technical findings into engaging narratives for policymakers and the public
2. Summer Policy and Research Associate
The Bay Area Council is seeking a Summer Policy and Research Associate. This position will cross between the Bay Area Council’s policy team – primarily assisting the transportation program or the public safety program – and the Bay Area Council Economic Institute team, which is the research and data arm of the Bay Area Council.
Key responsibilities include:
- Aiding in the development of research documents, primarily to include a project that envisions a future transportation network for the Bay Area region. This project will require data collection and analysis of commute trends, mapping of transportation infrastructure, and some background knowledge of the Bay Area’s transportation networks.
- Tracking and summarizing local and state legislation in the issue areas of public safety or transportation and drafting letters of support or opposition.
- Attending public hearings related to the issue areas and drafting summaries on key items.
- Data collection and visualization for key metrics related to public safety or transportation.
- Additional assignments may range from event and administrative support, website and social media content development, database development, and ad hoc economic and policy research.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Interest in regional policy and economic issues as demonstrated through classwork and/or previous experience
- Experience using Excel to collect, manipulate, and visualize data
- Experience using ArcGIS and/or other mapping tools is highly preferred
- An ability to translate data into engaging narratives for policymakers and the public
- While we will consider applicants pursuing a wide range of degrees, ideal candidates will have some background in transportation or public safety through coursework in public policy, public administration, urban planning, political science, or economics.
3. Summer Business Development Associate
The Bay Area Council is seeking a Summer Business Development Associate to assist the membership team’s organizational and developmental efforts to support the 330 members engaged with the Council. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit business operations, membership engagement, and regional economic policy initiatives.
Projects may include:
- Conducting market research to generate new leads and prospective members.
- Managing and organizing membership and member prospect data in Salesforce.
- Participating in strategy meetings to improve membership recruitment and retention.
- Supporting day-of logistics at major events and policy meetings.
- Administrative support for the membership team.
Qualifications:
- Current or recently graduated college student.
- Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.
- A knack for collaboration with confidence to work independently.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM platforms is a plus.
4. Summer Communications Associate
The Bay Area Council is looking for a passionate and motivated Summer Communications Associate to help create compelling, actionable, user-friendly digital experiences. Successful candidates are great storytellers and self-starters who work collaboratively and can manage projects from start to finish. This position is a great opportunity for students or recent grads to build their portfolio, and gain real-world skills in a collaborative, creative environment.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Assisting with designing website layouts, landing pages, and user interface components.
- Maintaining and updating website content and visual elements.
- Producing compelling and informative graphics and other digital content for use on websites, social media channels and elsewhere.
- Participating in and helping lead design brainstorming sessions and reviews.
Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
- Experience with WordPress. Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for web design and updates preferred.
- Strong copywriting and copy-editing skills for creating clear and compelling content.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues and topics into engaging stories that inform and persuade.
- Basic understanding of design principles and user experience.
- Familiarity with basic SEO principles to optimize websites for better visibility.
- Strong attention to detail with an eye for design aesthetics and branding consistency.
- Eagerness to learn, take feedback, and grow skills.
Compensation and Benefits
- Summer Associates positions are temporary, part-time for four days (32 hours) per week at a rate of $20.00/hour. This position will run for 12 weeks with a flexible start date in late May/early June, with a possibility of extension into the fall.
- The part-time position does not include benefits other than those required by San Francisco law for sick leave.
- Associates are required to come into the office every Tuesday and Thursday at the Bay Area Council headquarters, located on the Historic Klamath on Pier 9, San Francisco.
How to Apply
Applications will be open until Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 11:59pm PDT.
We will only accept applicants who submit applications through the links below:
- Summer Data Associate: https://form.jotform.com/250974733440156
- Summer Policy and Research Associate: https://form.jotform.com/251015084191145
- Summer Business Development Associate: https://form.jotform.com/251015797338159
- Summer Communications Associate: https://form.jotform.com/251045331399153
