Community Development Internship Jobs in Independence, MO

Location:  Oakes Kia of Olathe | Olathe, KS
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday - Friday
Compensation: $18 an hour

The Sales Internship Program is a hands-on rotational internship designed to give interns real-world experience across three major dealership functions: Sales, Finance & Insurance (F&I), and Sales Management. Interns will work directly alongside dealership leaders and top-performing team members while developing professional communication, leadership, and operational skills in a fast-paced automotive retail environment.

Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family-owned and locally operated, with a culture built around stability, growth, and long-term career development.

• Competitive pay based on experience

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off + paid holidays

• Employee discounts

• Career growth across multiple stores

• Locally owned and operated

• Tuition reimbursement

• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
  

• Assist with customer communication, vehicle presentations, test drives, and deliveries

• Learn dealership CRM systems and customer follow-up processes

• Support inventory merchandising through photos, videos, and lot organization

• Learn the fundamentals of automotive sales and relationship-building

• Learn how automotive financing and lender approvals work

• Assist with organizing deal paperwork and funding processes

• Participate in roleplay exercises and presentation training

• Gain exposure to compliance, documentation, and dealership finance operations

• Assist with tracking sales performance and customer satisfaction metrics

• Shadow leadership during customer interactions and coaching conversations

• Help maintain performance boards, sales logs, and follow-up processes

• Learn how dealership leaders drive team performance and customer experience

• Participate in dealership meetings, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities

• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and strong communication throughout the internship

• Learn dealership systems, processes, and operational expectations

• Support dealership teams with day-to-day operational tasks as needed
  

We’re looking for motivated, high-energy individuals who are eager to learn and grow within a fast-paced dealership environment. Current college students or recent graduates pursuing Business, Marketing, Communications, Automotive, or related fields are preferred. The ideal candidate is professional, organized, adaptable, and comfortable communicating with both customers and team members. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine interest in automotive sales, leadership, and dealership operations are essential for success in this program.

You do not need dealership or automotive experience — we will train the right person.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Eager to learn and grow professionally

• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment

• Strong with communication and relationship building

• Professional, positive, and dependable

• Coachable with a strong work ethic

• Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities

• Interested in sales, leadership, and dealership operations

• Motivated to gain real-world business experience and build a long-term career

• Valid driver’s license with a clean or acceptable driving record

• Ability to pass a standard background check

• Strong reliability and consistent attendance

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment

• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new systems

• Previous customer service, leadership, or sales experience preferred but not required

Oakes Auto Group is a locally owned and rapidly growing dealership group serving the Kansas City metro. We take pride in creating a workplace that feels supportive, grounded, and people-first. Our teams across North Kansas City, Olathe, and Kansas City operate with a shared focus on teamwork, personal growth, and doing right by our customers and our community.

We invest heavily in training, development, and internal promotion because we want our people to build long-term careers here, not just hold short-term jobs. Our stores value open communication, accountability, and a winning attitude, and we genuinely celebrate our employees’ successes and milestones.

Beyond the walls of our dealerships, we stay active in the community through local partnerships, volunteer opportunities, charity drives, and events that bring people together. We’re proud to represent a brand that is known for its culture, its commitment to service, and its belief that great people create great experiences.

If you’re looking for a workplace where you can grow, feel supported, and make an impact, Oakes Auto Group is a place where you can build your career.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.