1

Community Development Internship Jobs in Michigan

Intern - JMG Pathways

Benton Harbor, MI

$14.25 - $19/hr

This is an 8 week part-time summer internship that will work up to 30 hours week. OUR ORGANIZATION ... a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an ...

Intern - JMG Pathways

Benton Harbor, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

This is an 8 week part-time summer internship that will work up to 30 hours week. OUR ORGANIZATION ... a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an ...

... community development, historic preservation and renewable energy fields. Ready to learn more? This is a paid internship. To be considered for this position, interested candidates MUST apply via our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Community Development Internship information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$15

$24

How much do community development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development internship in Michigan is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community development internship?

A Community Development Internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience working with organizations focused on improving local communities. Interns typically support projects related to social services, urban planning, economic development, or public health. The role may involve tasks such as organizing events, conducting research, engaging with community members, and assisting with program implementation. This experience helps interns develop valuable skills in communication, project management, and community engagement, and often serves as a stepping stone to a career in nonprofit or public service sectors.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a community development internship?

As a Community Development Intern, you'll typically work on projects such as organizing outreach events, conducting needs assessments, and assisting in the design and evaluation of community programs. Your daily tasks may include collaborating with local organizations, creating educational materials, conducting research, and engaging with community members to gather feedback. This role often involves both independent work and teamwork, providing valuable experience in project management and communication while supporting community-focused initiatives.

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 background in social sciences, public administration, or urban planning, often supported by ongoing academic studies or relevant coursework. Familiarity with data analysis tools, community mapping software, and Microsoft Office Suite is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for building trust within communities, managing projects, and effectively supporting development initiatives.

What is the difference between Community Development Internship vs Community Organizer?

AspectCommunity Development InternshipCommunity Organizer
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require relevant courseworkExperience in community work; sometimes certifications in outreach or advocacy
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in non-profits or government agenciesActive fieldwork, community meetings, outreach events
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, community programsNon-profits, grassroots organizations, advocacy groups

While both roles focus on community engagement, a Community Development Internship is typically a temporary learning position for students or recent grads, offering exposure to community planning and development. A Community Organizer actively works in the field to mobilize community members, often with more hands-on outreach and advocacy responsibilities.

What jobs can you do with a community development internship?

A community development internship can lead to roles such as community coordinator, outreach specialist, program assistant, or urban planner. These positions often involve skills in project management, public engagement, and data analysis, and may require knowledge of local policies and community needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Community Development Internship jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Community Development Internship job openings:

Planning Manager - Community Development

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

Dowagiac, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Commitment to Citizen Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Position Summary: This is an exempt management position with key responsibility in the efficient management & proactive development of Pokagon Band community resources. Responsible for leading community development planning to include implementing and managing the activities mandated in Article IV – Tribal Lands with the Tribal constitution. Additionally, this position will lead land-use, community, infrastructure, road, emergency management and other planning initiatives. Manages building permit process, inspection compliance, and planning document archives. This position is also responsible for enforcement of the Band’s Sign Ordinance and assisting with enforcement of building and land use Acts, Ordinances, and Policies.

Essential Functions:

  • Proactively address and resolve customer concerns and explore and implement methods and procedures for improving departmental workflow and service to all stake holders.
  • Assist with the development and implementation of short and long term departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures in alignment with the Pokagon Band’s vision, mission, expected outcomes, and strategic initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the department Director and other staff on work plan development and scheduling.
  • Provide leadership and consultation in all areas of planning; represent Pokagon Band on matters of infrastructure & development planning, and regional and local planning initiatives.
  • Research and help secure private and public funding to support projects.
  • Prepare, maintain, and update Classification of Tribal Lands document and work cooperatively with other departments and boards in achievement of these items.
  • Provide integrated planning expertise to the Government Team and Land Use Board.
  • Prepare, maintain and update Tribal Long Term Land Acquisition and Development Plan.
  • Work with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician to maintain GIS-based database.
  • Assist with the review, analyses, and preparation of position papers on planning issues and policies as they pertain to Tribal properties.
  • Assist with the development of tribal ordinances concerning land use and natural resources to preserve, protect and enhance Tribal resources.
  • Manage the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Reservation Road (IRR) Tribal Transportation programs. To include grant planning and reporting.
  • Develop positive relationships and interface with private partners, regional, state and local agencies.
  • Supervise interns and temporary employees.

Non-Essential Functions:

  • Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

  • Standard office equipment.
  • Systems used: MS Office applications, Arc GIS, and Internet.

Position Requirements:

  • Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree highly preferred, in a planning related field from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education.
  • Minimum of five (5)-years of related experience.
  • Professional certification as a Certified Planner.
  • Ability to plan and coordinate capital projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with grant management, implementation and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of the operational and technical problems involved in the administration of a specialized program and methods of planning, developing, and administering programs.
  • Knowledge of State and Federal laws and legislative processes related to the work.
  • Knowledge of factors in the analysis of data to provide the basis for long-range planning of land and resource uses and their management.
  • Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing, writing and presenting the results of environmental impact studies.
  • Knowledge of the procedures and methods of statistical analysis; ability to prepare charts, maps, and other graphs to show the analysis of data; ability to analyze and evaluate data.
  • Excellent presentation, communication (both oral and written), and interpersonal skills; strong ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions effectively.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate program and administrative activities of a complex, interrelated, and interdependent nature where unknowns and numerous contingency factors are involved.
  • Ability to formulate policies and procedures relevant to program areas based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.
  • Ability to prepare projections in such areas as land use, water use, and population for planning reports and studies required.

Indian Preference:

  • Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

  • Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
  • Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
  • Frequently required to talk and hear.

Work environment:

  • Office and/or outdoor environment. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Standard office equipment available.

Competencies:

  • Using Financials
  • Continuous Learning
  • Project Management
  • Quality Focus
  • Organizational Savvy

What Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom