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Community Development Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hasana, Inc.

Merchandise Internship

Chicago, IL

... as a community development approach to build the leadership capacity of low-income women. The ... Please note that these unpaid internships are located in the Chicago Loop. Responsibilities include:

Hasana, Inc.

Graphic Design/Creative Internship

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... as a community development approach to build the leadership capacity of low-income women. The ... Interns will work with HTML/CSS for web pages, e-newsletter blast and Social sites such as Facebook ...

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All JobsCommunity Development JobsCommunity Development Internship JobsCommunity Development Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Community Development Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do community development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development internship in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL? For Community Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Internship jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Community Development Internship jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Community Development Internship job openings:
Community Development Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

(Hybrid) Community Development, Fall Intern

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

$20/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

2026 Fall Internship Program

Title: Community Development, Intern

Department: Community Impact

Reports To: Program Manager for Community Development

Direct Reports: N/A

Classification: Internship

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Grade: N/A

Compensation: $20/hour

Schedule: 21 hours/week (Hybrid: 2 days in office, 1 day remote)

Duration: 16 weeks, Fall 2026 (August 25 - December 10)

About the Internship Program

Our Fall Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in philanthropy, community engagement, operations, and organizational strategy. Interns work alongside staff across multiple departments.

The Community Development Team works toward a future when community assets — businesses, land, homes, and commercial real estate — will sustain and increase community well-being, cohesion and prosperity in long underinvested communities, ultimately building household wealth and a more thriving Chicago region.

What You'll Do

The intern has an active role in supporting the Community Development team through research, analysis, and community partner engagement activities. The intern will develop learning memos and background materials, assess place-based community development opportunities, participate in meetings with grant and other civic partners, and present findings to help inform strategy and investment decisions. Through this work, the intern will strengthen their presentation, research, and writing skills while advancing the Trust's efforts to build wealth and promote equitable investment in Chicago communities.

Expected Assignments:

  • Review existing impact measurement tools for funding programs to demonstrate the strengths of and opportunities to support Community Development grant partners
  • Track, document, and assess opportunities to enhance place-based investment aligned with Community Development priorities.
  • Participate in meetings with grant partners and other civic leaders, document important information, and provide feedback on alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Research and provide background memos on key policy issues and policy reform proposals to inform potential Trust engagement, examples of which may include key neighborhood amenities needed for overall development, models for supporting property acquisition, and other topics as assigned.
  • Participate in grantmaking processes by reviewing and scoring proposals, participating in site visits, and drafting grant recommendations
  • Support and coordinate key projects and events aimed at advancing the Trust's strategic goals.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Who We're Looking For

Students who are:

  • Currently enrolled as a senior undergraduate or graduate student
  • Curious, motivated, and committed to the Trust's Mission
  • Strong communicators (written and verbal)
  • Organized and attentive to detail
  • Comfortable managing multiple tasks
  • Collaborative and eager to learn
  • Open to feedback and new ideas

Work Environment

This internship follows a hybrid schedule:

  • 2 days in office
  • 1 day remote

Timeline

This posting will close at 4:59PM CST on Monday July 27, 2026.

  • Application Cycle (7/15 - 7/27)
  • Applicant Screens (7/27 - 7/31)
  • In Person Interviews (8/3 - 8/7)
  • Intern Selection and Notifications (8/10 - 8/14)
  • Internship Onboarding (8/25 - 8/27)

Position Qualifications

We welcome applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including (but not limited to): Rising Senior - Graduate level Public Policy; Political Science; Public Administration; Urban Planning; Sustainable Urban Development; Community Development; Social Science, Economics; Business; Social Work; Law; or other related fields.

Preferred Qualifications (If Applicable)

  • Project coordination
  • Experience working with multiple teams/leaders at the same time

Thank you for your interest in joining our mission. We look forward to hearing from you!