INTERNSHIP DETAILS

People & Culture Intern

CompanyKEEN Footwear
LocationPortland
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 7, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
As an HR Intern, you will assist in supporting daily HR practices and contribute to key projects. You will gain exposure to various HR functions such as Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Learning & Development, Internal Communications, and HR Operations.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
874
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
KEEN is a values led, outdoor footwear brand with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. As a company, we strive to live by our values, from the products we make to the actions we take, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. We passionately endeavor to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Looking ahead, our vision is to be the most trusted outdoor footwear and lifestyle brand in the world. Discover more about KEEN at keenfootwear.com, facebook.com/keen and twitter.com/keen.
About the Role
<p>We are looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented intern who is passionate about learning, collaboration, and contributing to a people-first workplace. This internship offers integrated experiences supporting key People &amp; Culture&nbsp;&nbsp;(Human Resources) initiatives within a purpose-led outdoor brand, providing an opportunity to grow, develop skills, and work in a collaborative environment.</p> <p><strong>Position:</strong> People &amp; Culture Intern<br><strong>Location:</strong> KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)<br><strong>Duration:</strong> 10 weeks<br><strong>Compensation:</strong> $22/hour<br><strong>Program Duration:</strong> Monday, June 15th – Friday, August 21st&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What You'll Do</strong></p> <p>As an Intern at KEEN (KEENtern), you’ll dive into the exciting world of footwear, innovation, and community! You’ll get hands-on experience working alongside industry experts and contribute to shaping the future of KEEN.</p> <p>As an HR Intern, you will assist in supporting daily HR practices and foundations, contributing to key projects, and gaining exposure to various HR functions such as Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Learning &amp; Development, Internal Communications, and HR Operations. This is an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills and gain experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong>Essential Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul> <li>Help communicate internal programs, initiatives, and cultural events.</li> <li>Builds and edits presentation decks in PowerPoint.</li> <li>HR program development</li> <li>HR process optimization</li> <li>Development of reports and dashboards</li> </ul> <p><strong>Minimum Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Must be enrolled an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level.</li> <li>Must be able to dedicate 40 hours/week toward the internship during normal M-F PST working hours (10 weeks, June through August)</li> <li>Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.</li> <li>Able to sit and/or stand at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time.</li> <li>Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What We’re Looking For:</strong></p> <p>We’re seeking someone who embodies our passion for creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors. Our ideal KEENtern is:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Passionate: </strong>Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, committed to sustainability, or fascinated by footwear trends and innovation, you’re excited to engage with the world around you.</li> <li><strong>Creatively Minded:</strong> You’re detail-oriented, love bringing fresh ideas to life, and have a knack for solving problems.</li> <li><strong>A Strong Communicator:</strong> Whether it’s collaborating with a team or presenting ideas, you know how to express yourself clearly and effectively.</li> <li><strong>Proactive &amp; Eager to Learn:</strong> You’re curious, ready to ask questions, take initiative, and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Why Intern with Us?</strong></p> <p>Being a KEENtern means you’re not just an intern—you’re a valued part of our KEEN community. Here’s what you can look forward to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Meaningful Work: </strong>Tackle real-world projects that make an impact, gaining valuable hands-on experience at a globally recognized brand.</li> <li><strong>Collaborative Environment: </strong>Partner with talented teammates and work on in a group project with other KEENterns.</li> <li><strong>Networking Opportunities: </strong>Build connections with industry experts and mentors who can help shape your career.</li> <li><strong>Perks &amp; Benefits: </strong>Enjoy product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace.</li> <li><strong>Outdoor Adventures: </strong>Immerse yourself in Portland – a vibrant city nestled between the mountains and the coast – a hub for all things outdoors, such as hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and climbing.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Program Requirements:</strong></p> <p>To qualify for this internship, you must:</p> <ul> <li>Be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student</li> <li>Be eligible to work in the U.S.</li> <li>Commit to a 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August</li> <li>Dedicate 40 hours per week during standard M-F, PST working hours</li> <li>All roles are located in Portland, OR. Must be able to move to Portland during the duration of the internship if you are not already living here.</li> <li>Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship</li> <li>Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.</li> <li>Exceptional attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials.</li> <li>Must display curiosity, have strong organizational and prioritization skills.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ready to Take the Next Step?</strong><br>If you’re ready to take your passions to the next level and be part of a world-class team, please apply.</p> <p><strong>Other Requirements</strong></p> <p>Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.</p> <p><strong><em>Fuerst Group, KEEN and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.&nbsp; We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.</em></strong></p>
Key Skills
Verbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationMicrosoft OfficePowerPointHR PracticesTalent AcquisitionTotal RewardsLearning & DevelopmentInternal CommunicationsHR OperationsAttention to DetailOrganizational SkillsCuriosityProblem SolvingCreativity
Categories
Human ResourcesCreative & Media
Benefits
Product DiscountsSubsidized Cafeteria