Job Overview: 

The Corporate Affairs intern will gain exposure to different functions of the business through structured rotations. The intern will work with our Corporate Communications, Marketing, Events, Government Affairs, Industry Relations, and Sustainability & Social Impact teams. The intern will support cross‑departmental projects, build professional skills through mentorship and shadowing, and learn how Corporate Affairs drives UNFI’s strategy and reputation. The program will conclude with a final project and presentation to the Corporate Affairs leadership team, as well as a capstone project completed with the intern cohort for UNFI’s senior leadership.

To be considered for this position, applicants must attach an unofficial transcript to their application.

What does it mean to be part of the Internship Program at UNFI?

This internship program offers current college students a hands‑on opportunity to explore UNFI and gain exposure to the core functions of our organization. Designed to bridge academic learning with real‑world application, the program provides a robust educational experience for undergraduates pursuing business and technology related degrees.

Interns will engage in project‑based work across multiple disciplines, developing a strong understanding of the strategy, execution, and operations behind a leading grocery distribution organization. The program aims to cultivate future leaders within UNFI and the broader grocery industry by enhancing the intern’s business acumen, professional skills, and industry knowledge through mentorship and business aptitude training.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

·       Interns will be expected to prepare and make an executive presentation to the executive team and their leaders at the conclusion of the program.  

·       Intern will shadow different Corporate Affairs leaders during team calls, learn each Corporate Affairs function, and create a presentation for Corporate Affairs managers based on their findings at the conclusion of the program.

·       The intern will meet with Corporate Affairs leaders and attend in-person events like UNFI’s Mohegan Sun Selling Show.

·       The intern will be assigned cross‑departmental projects aligned with their background, interests, and experience. Project work may include Government Affairs, Communications, Marketing, or philanthropic initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Interns will participate in learning sessions hosted by the Internship team and supporting leaders of the business. 

·       Assist with content creation, event preparation, policy research, marketing asset development, and social impact program support as part of scheduled rotations.

·       Attend team meetings, planning calls, shadowing sessions, and onboarding presentations to build an understanding of Corporate Affairs functions and workflows.

·       Engage in professional development experiences, including mentorship check‑ins, networking opportunities, and optional site visits or department activities.

·       Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Enrolled full-time at a four-year degree program at an accredited university

·       GPA of 3.0 or higher

·       Must be authorized to work in the U.S

·       Must be a rising Junior or Senior (minimum of 60 credits completed by the start of the program)

·       To be considered for this position, applicants must attach an unofficial transcript to their application.

·       Target Majors: 

o   Business Admin, Communications, Political Science, Marketing

Experience:

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Express is a plus but not required.

·       Prior internship, campus involvement, or project experience in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Government/Policy, Events, or Sustainability is a plus but not required.

·       Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in team settings.

·       Experience participating in group projects, leadership programs, or activities that require planning, coordination, or communication skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

·       Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to interact with all levels of the business.
• Ability to manage and coordinate projects.

·       Comfort working in fast‑paced environments and willingness to learn new processes, tools, and subject areas.

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

About UNFI: We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI