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Community Development Intern Jobs in Charleston, IL

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Community Development Intern information

See Charleston, IL salary details

$8

$15

$22

How much do community development intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development intern in Charleston, IL is $15.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the responsibilities of a community development intern?

A community development intern assists with planning and implementing programs that support community growth and engagement. They may conduct outreach, gather community feedback, support event organization, and help with data collection and reporting using tools like spreadsheets or databases. The role often involves collaboration with local organizations and requires strong communication skills.

What jobs can you do with community development intern?

A community development intern can pursue roles such as community coordinator, outreach specialist, program assistant, or urban planner. These positions often involve project management, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis, and may require skills in communication, organization, and familiarity with community development tools or software.

What job categories do people searching Community Development Intern jobs in Charleston, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Intern jobs in Charleston, IL are:

What cities near Charleston, IL are hiring for Community Development Intern jobs?

Cities near Charleston, IL with the most Community Development Intern job openings:

Community Development Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Intern job openings in Charleston, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,596 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

2026-2027 LIFT Internship - HR Team

Mattoon, IL • On-site

Rural King
Retail • 5 - 10K employees

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

607th of 739 rated retailers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Learn more about Rural Kingexternal

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview
Only open to LIFT students.
About us
Rural King is America's Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 140 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.
One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.
At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Responsibilities
What You'll Do
As a LIFT Intern for HR Community Engagement, you will collaborate with the HR team and the RK Foundation with a specific focus on The Coles County Compass.
Community Engagement & Outreach:
  • Visit local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to gather stories, photos, and insights.
  • Support HR and RK Foundation efforts to strengthen relationships within the local community.
  • Assist with on-site community events and engagement activities tied to Rural King and the RK Foundation.

Content Creation & Storytelling:
  • Create written, photo, and short-form video content that highlights local businesses, community members, and regional initiatives.
  • Contribute stories and features for The Coles County Compass, helping showcase what makes Coles County a great place to live, work, and visit.
  • Assist in gathering and organizing content that supports employer branding and community awareness.

Social Media & Digital Support
  • Support social media content creation and posting on Rural King and Compass platforms.
  • Help draft captions, schedule posts, and monitor engagement related to community initiatives.
  • Collaborate with team members to generate creative ideas for digital storytelling.

Newsletter & Communications Support
  • Assist with internal and external newsletter content, including story collection, drafting, and layout support.
  • Help highlight community partnerships, events, and foundation initiatives through regular communications.

Collaboration with RK Foundation
  • Work closely with the RK Foundation team to support The Coles County Compass, a community guide and storytelling platform.
  • Assist with content planning, organization, and execution aligned to foundation goals and community development initiatives.
  • Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
  • Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
  • Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King's Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Qualifications
Essential Qualities for Success
  • Must be a current LIFT student in Mattoon, IL, enrolled in communications, marketing, or related field.
  • Comfortable creating basic content using tools such as smartphones, Canva, or similar platforms.
  • Organized, dependable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Willing to travel locally to visit businesses and community partners.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage.
  • Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
  • Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
  • Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
  • Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
  • Close vision for computer-related activities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The pay rate for this position is $15.00 per hour Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.
Min
USD $15.00/Hr.

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