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Community Development Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Intern Supervisor

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Organize and facilitate two intern program events annually to promote community, engagement, and professional development. * Address intern performance, conduct, or behavioral concerns in a timely ...

SOAR Benefits Intern

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

SOAR Benefits Intern Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing ... Responsibilities / Skill Development: * Client engagement and customer service skills * Community ...

Intern Youth Development

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... communities. Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more ... We are currently searching for an intern to join our Teen REACH team! Teen REACH operates during ...

Intern - 2026 Community Mental Health

Mchenry, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

The Intern, Community Mental Health collaborates with Program Directors, Team Leaders, and Community Support Specialists to provide direct service to members. This includes but is not limited to ...

Showing results 21-40

Community Development Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Intern, you need a foundation in social sciences, community engagement, and project management, often supported by coursework or experience in urban planning or nonprofit work. Familiarity with data collection tools, mapping software (such as GIS), and Microsoft Office is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and initiative help interns build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are critical for supporting meaningful community projects and fostering positive social impact.

What does a Community Development Intern do?

A Community Development Intern supports projects and initiatives aimed at improving local communities. Their responsibilities often include conducting research, organizing community events, assisting with outreach efforts, and helping to develop programs that address community needs. Interns may work with local governments, nonprofits, or grassroots organizations to gain hands-on experience in community engagement and development practices. This role provides valuable exposure to project management, communication, and social impact strategies.

What is the difference between Community Development Intern vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectCommunity Development InternCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holds a relevant degree (e.g., social work, urban planning)Usually requires experience in outreach, communication, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in non-profits or government agenciesFull-time role involving community engagement activities
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, community organizationsNon-profits, government, and private sector organizations
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning-focused positionActive role in community engagement and program implementation

The Community Development Intern position is typically an entry-level internship aimed at gaining experience in community planning and development. In contrast, the Community Outreach Coordinator is a full-time role focused on executing outreach programs and engaging with community members. Both roles are vital in community-focused organizations but differ mainly in experience level, responsibilities, and employment status.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Community Development Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Community Development Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of projects, such as organizing community events, conducting needs assessments, supporting grant writing, and helping with outreach initiatives. Interns often collaborate with local residents, nonprofit organizations, and municipal departments to implement programs that address community needs. The role typically involves both fieldwork and administrative tasks, providing valuable hands-on experience in community engagement, program planning, and stakeholder communication. This exposure is an excellent way to build practical skills and establish connections in the field of community development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Intern jobs in Illinois? For Community Development Intern jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Community Development Intern jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Community Development Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Development Intern job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Development Associate- The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago- Northbrook, IL

JCC

Northbrook, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Reports to (title): ย Senior Director of Development

Job Summary:

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago is seeking a dynamic, dedicated Development Associate to join our amazing team in Northbrook! This is a fundraising position- 2-4 years of fundraising experience required. For full consideration, submit a cover letter along with your resume.

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago is the largest of more than 170 Jewish Community Centers in North America โ€“ home to six early childhood centers, nine-day camps, one resident overnight camp, and a myriad of other programs and services focused on the care and keeping of children, family, and community.ย  We are privileged to nurture our young learners and foster community day in and day out by bringing our mission to life.ย  The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicagoย has served our community for over 100 years and reaches more than 100,000 community members yearly through our programs, services and experience.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Development Associate will be responsible for activating participants, ambassadors, and future donors. This includes creating and expanding volunteer opportunities across the agency to ultimately cultivate new donors. The Development Associate will be responsible for developing strategies to solicit, steward, and deepen a portfolio of gifts up to $2,500, including pipeline development.

The Development Associate will lead the staff giving campaign, cultivating a culture of philanthropy within the organization.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

ย Fundraising

  • Prepare and organize timely donor communication including direct mail, e-mail, telephone, and acknowledgments.
  • Execute administrative fundraising functions including gift entry, donor acknowledgements, thank-you calls, and support for phonathons and other broad-based outreach efforts.
  • Partner with the Senior Development Director to manage fundraising appeals and campaigns for gifts under $2,500.
  • Facilitate quarterly stewardship opportunities to cultivate prospective and existing donors to build a more engaged community.
  • Oversee the staff giving campaign and use creativity and initiative to develop new cultivation tactics, set fundraising goals, develop timeline, manage day-to-day operations of campaign, and track/report outcomes.
  • Support execution of annual fund campaigns including direct mail, email, and social media initiatives.
  • Assist in growing recurring/monthly giving through targeted outreach and stewardship.
  • Assist with planning and coordinating special events, donor/sponsorship cultivation efforts, and grant reporting.
  • Work with the finance team to manage, reconcile, and track various types of donations including cash, check, online gifts, donor-advised funds, and stock gifts.

General

  • Support internal and external stakeholders through events and other engagement opportunities, including but not limited to the Annual Meeting, All-In Staff Days, Camp Chi Alumni weekend, and SunriseGAMES.
  • Collaborate with the Database Manager to support donor tracking, list generation, and segmented outreach efforts.
  • Provide general support for the Development Department and actively participate in departmental strategy and planning.
  • Assist with special projects on an ad-hoc basis.
  • Occasionally, supervise seasonal development intern(s).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Duties / Physical Duties:

  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, twist and/or walk on a frequent basis throughout an 8-hour day.
  • Mobility: Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, smartphone, keyboard and mouse.
  • Ability to frequently push, pull and lift up to 20 pounds; occasionally may need to lift more than 20 pounds.
  • Mental Abilities: Attention to detail; manage multiple projects, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Vision Abilities: See detail in objects; distinguish between colors, shades and brightness and ability to focus and operate a vehicle or office equipment.

Days/Hours/%Travel:ย 

The position will be primarily Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week during regular business hours. Some evenings and weekends will be required for major agency events.

Limited travel to different Agency sites and locations may be required.

The Development Department currently operates on a hybrid model and is in office 3 days per week.

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):

1-2 Seasonal Development Intern(s)

Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%):

n/a

Job Category:

Management

Education Qualifications:

Bachelorโ€™s degree in Business Administration, Communications or a related field (or equivalent knowledge/experience).

Salary Range:

$55,000- $65,000

Other Requirements:

  • 2โ€“4 years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or related field.
  • Commitment to JCCโ€™s mission, vision, and values.
  • Experience working with volunteers and training interns is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional ability to take direction and initiative, and to exercise sound judgement.
  • A good sense of humor and humility, and an eagerness to learn.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to donors, board members, JCC leadership, volunteers, and the general public.
  • The successful candidate will be a motivated, efficient and dynamic self-starter who is flexible and can thrive in a complex and fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of the Chicago Jewish community and passion for community programming highly desirable.ย 

Employee Benefits:

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago offers a suite of comprehensive benefits to full time staff including:

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Participation in a 401(K) plan with matching contributions
  • Life insurance and short/long term disability coverage
  • Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid observance of secular and Jewish religious holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Uniquely JCC Benefits

  • Free fitness membership at JCC Chicago community centers and aquatics facilities
  • Meaningful discounts on JCC Chicago programming, including day and overnight camp, Early Childhood, and event rentals
  • Professional development opportunities with the JUF/Jewish Federation

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers programs for all ages and abilities. Our goal is to foster relationships, build our community, and create connections that will enable our mission to reach a larger impact. We welcome you to join us in building your career, as we build a stronger community.