Job Description

Athena HR Intern

Athena is a creative place for leaders, risk-takers, creative thinkers and boundary-pushers. We partner with organizations looking to transform their presence, reputation, and performance. For over ten years, we've delivered business insights, marketing strategies, and brand activations for leading organizations in industries ranging from telecommunications to major league sports.

Our people make Athena, Athena. They're what help set us apart from traditional ad agencies and consultancies. As a Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplace for three years running, we take pride in fostering a work environment where passion meets excellence. Our people are solutions-oriented individuals who eagerly roll up their sleeves to make work that works while sharing a couple of laughs along the way.

All Athena internships are hosted in-person at our Philadelphia headquarters, 20-30 hours a week.

About the Role

As an HR Intern, you'll work closely with the HR and Employee Experience team to support day-to-day operations and key people initiatives across the organization. You'll assist in maintaining employee records, screening resumes, managing job postings, and supporting the recruitment and onboarding process. This role offers hands-on exposure to core HR functions, including data management, policy implementation, and internal communications, helping you build a strong foundation in human resources while contributing to a positive employee experience.

As part of the Athena team, you'll contribute to high-impact HR initiatives and collaborate with professionals across departments. You'll receive guidance from experienced mentors while gaining practical experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Success in this role means delivering high-quality, timely support with attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership over your work.

About the Program

The Athena internship program immerses interns in a collaborative, cross-functional environment where they work closely with teams across creative, marketing, events, operations, and data analytics, gaining exposure to how departments align to bring projects to life. Our Capstone Project allows interns to collaborate and contribute to real-world initiatives by presenting their proposal to internal stakeholders. Interns are mentored through weekly managerial check-ins and executive support. Athena fosters a culture of support, curiosity, connection, and inclusivity, which allows interns to shine.

Our internship program begins in June 2026 and is a part-time opportunity to join the organization for the summer.

Requirements

What you'll be responsible for:

• Assist with recruitment and selection activities, including job postings, resume screening, scheduling interviews, and conducting reference checks.
• Support the onboarding process for new hires by preparing new hire paperwork, conducting orientations, and coordinating training sessions.
• Provide support to employee relations activities, including maintaining employee files, drafting employee communications, and coordinating employee recognition programs.
• Assist with HR projects and initiatives, such as performance management, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, learning and development.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures, as well as federal and state employment laws.
• Prepare HR-related reports as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Understand and learn the fundamentals of human resources.

The skills and experience you should have:

• You're a creative thinker: not afraid to think outside the box, driven by curiosity, proposing ideas and solutions, reaching above and beyond to ensure the success of a project.
• You're a people person: whether it's brainstorming with coworkers or working with other departments, you're a clear, open communicator, and you're not afraid to ask for help.
• You're tech savvy: you're in tune with design trends, and you can learn new computer programs and adapt them into your workflow quickly.
• You've got it together: a fan of calendar invites, close attention to detail, tight time management, and organization skills.

It's a plus if you have:

• Prior experience working directly with clients or supporting internal teams.
• Leadership experience through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or team-based activities.
• Exposure to marketing, brand strategy, or human resources.
• Proficiency in Excel and project management tools such as MS Project, Airtable, or Asana.

Benefits

• Paid Experience: Interns are compensated at $20/hour, with biweekly pay throughout the nine-week program.
• Flexible Scheduling: Interns are expected to work 2030 hours per week, ideally on a consistent schedule. Hours are coordinated with managers to allow flexibility within the weekly limit.
• In-Person Engagement: This is an on-site internship based in Philadelphia, designed to provide immersive, real-world experience in a collaborative office environment.
• Professional Exposure: Interns gain hands-on experience with client-facing work, learning key skills in professionalism, communication, and public relations.
• Capstone Project: All interns participate in a Capstone Project, where they collaborate across departments to research and pitch a new client opportunity to Athena's senior leadership and CEO.
• Cultural Experiences: Interns enjoy company outings that showcase Philadelphia's culture and communitypast events have included visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Citizens Bank Park.

Athena is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at 866.299.6040.

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