Intern, HR Benefits and Operations

While this posting references the title Intern, HR Benefits and Operations, the official title upon joining our team will be Intern, Work Life and Culture.

The Role

At ITHAKA, we help the academic community use digital technologies to preserve the scholarly record and advance research and teaching in sustainable ways. As part of our commitment to supporting our people, we’re looking for an intern to join us this summer on our Work Life and Culture (WLC) team supporting Benefits and WLC Operations..

In this role, you will provide hands-on support for benefits administration, WLC operations, and compliance activities, working closely with the WLC Benefits & Operations team. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects that improve the employee experience, streamline processes, and ensure operational excellence. This role will support the audit of HR-related information in our human resources information system (HRIS) database and the organization of compliance documentation.

This is a great opportunity to gain exposure to core WLC functions in a mission-driven organization, learn the fundamentals of benefits and WLC operations, and work alongside experienced WLC professionals. You will report directly to the Benefits Manager.

This is a full-time internship, the intern is expected to work 40 hours per week. The internship spans a period of 12 weeks, beginning on June 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

Success in this role means delivering high-quality, detail-oriented support to the HR Benefits & Operations team while gaining professional experience in HR practices. You will:

• Assist with the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, wellness, retirement, and leave policies.
• Support compliance activities related to I-9s, documentation, and HR record-keeping.
• Partner with HR team members to improve internal processes and employee-facing resources.
• Help prepare and distribute HR communications, guides, and reference materials.
• Assist with data entry, reporting, and auditing in HR systems.
• Provide operational support during onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Collaborate with team members on ad hoc HR projects and process improvement initiatives.

Experience and Skills

Required:

• Active enrollment in a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Learning and Development, or related field.
• Coursework or prior internship experience in HR, business administration, or a related discipline.
• Interest in Human Resources particularly in Benefits, organizational operations, or related fields.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS) or database management.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship 

ITHAKA is not currently considering candidates who require any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) to work in the United States.

Compensation

At ITHAKA we believe in openness and equity. Part of living those values is our commitment to clarity about salary ranges, so candidates know what to expect. The pay for this position is $25.00/hourly.