Employment Opportunities

Are you passionate about creating positive social impact? Do you want to gain hands-on experience working with communities to drive change and promote sustainable development? Join our team as a Community Development Specialist Intern and help us empower underserved communities!

Compensation: Unpaid/Academic Credit

About Us:

Network for Developing Conscious Communities is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering economic and social equity through community-driven initiatives. We focus on empowering marginalized Black communities by supporting cooperative development, small businesses, and capacity building. As part of our mission, we work to build sustainable solutions that advance economic resilience and self-sufficiency.

Internship Overview:

As a Community Development Specialist Intern, you will assist in the planning and implementation of community-focused programs aimed at fostering economic empowerment, particularly through cooperative and small business development. You’ll gain practical experience working with community leaders, local organizations, and key stakeholders to address pressing social and economic challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with community organizations to assess needs and identify opportunities for growth.
• Support the development of programs that promote community-owned enterprises, cooperative business models, and sustainable economic development.
• Assist in organizing workshops, events, and training sessions on cooperative economics, community finance, and capacity building.
• Conduct research on best practices for community development and policy advocacy in underserved areas.
• Assist with grant writing and fundraising efforts to support program expansion.
• Contribute to public outreach efforts through social media, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
• Collect and analyze data on program outcomes and prepare reports to present findings.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Community Development, Urban Planning, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Strong interest in economic justice, social equity, and cooperative development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience with community organizing, advocacy, or nonprofit work is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace; experience with research tools and data analysis is an advantage.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in community development and cooperative organizing.
• Opportunities to network with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
• Practical skills in program design, project management, and community outreach.
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• A chance to make a real impact in underserved communities.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample (optional) to [email protected]. In your cover letter, tell us why you’re passionate about community development and what you hope to gain from this internship.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

The Network for Developing Conscious Communities aims to strengthen Black-led community development organizations and assist under-resourced communities in becoming stronger, more economically sustainable, and more united.

• The purpose of this initiative extends beyond merely enhancing neighborhoods; it aims to empower individuals, cultivate leadership, foster financial stability, and enable communities to actively shape their own futures. The goal of the Network for Developing Conscious Communities is to empower communities, develop thoughtful leaders, promote economic growth, build partnerships, advocate for equity, and encourage collective action.

The Network for Developing Conscious Communities aims to strengthen Black-led community development organizations and support under-resourced communities in becoming more resilient, economically sustainable, and united.

Its mission goes beyond merely enhancing neighborhoods; it aims to empower individuals, cultivate leaders, foster financial stability, and motivate communities to actively shape their futures.

The Network for Developing Conscious Communities aims to empower communities, foster conscious leadership, promote economic development, build partnerships, advocate for equity, and encourage collective action.

What is its main purpose?

NDCC works to:

• Empower communities: Help residents recognize their value, strengths, resources, and potential.
• Develop conscious leaders: Encourage responsible, thoughtful, visionary leadership.
• Promote economic development: Support business ownership, financial sustainability, and wealth-building opportunities.
• Build partnerships: Connect community leaders, organizations, businesses, and professionals.
• Promote equity: Help address economic disparities and challenges facing underserved Black communities.
• Encourage collective action: Bring people together to solve problems and create lasting change.

Organization: Network for Developing Conscious Communities

Program: Employment Training and Support Services

Information provided on this application will be kept confidential and used to determine service needs, document program participation, and meet funding and reporting requirements.