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Community Development Internship Jobs in Madison, WI

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Community Development Internship information

See Madison, WI salary details

$8

$17

$24

How much do community development internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for community development internship in Madison, WI is $17.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $19.38 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Madison, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Internship jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Internship jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Community Development Internship jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Community Development Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Development Internship job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,706 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Community Development Intern

City of Whitewater, WI

Whitewater, WI โ€ข On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Temporary

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $12.00 - $15.00 Hourly
Location : Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI
Job Type: Limited Term/Seasonal/Internship
Job Number: 2026-CD01
Department: Community Development Department
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
The Community Development Intern will be responsible for assisting the Community Development Department and other City staff with coordination and execution of a Downtown Activation Initiative.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary.
Percentages are approximate and will flex with the intern's course schedule and the Initiative's event calendar.
Focus AreaSample TasksApprox. TimeFirst Street Inventory & Activation Planning
โ€ข Complete the inventory of existing public assets available or needed for First Street (benches, planters, barricades, tables/chairs, other publicly owned assets), and coordinate with the Public Works Department on these items as needed
โ€ข Draft a First Street activation plan summarizing inventory findings and near-term tactical placemaking opportunities (movable seating, lighting, wayfinding, temporary art) for Director/Coordinator review
โ€ข Support City staff in brief research on comparable communities' tactical placemaking and DORA approaches
โ€ข Communicate with businesses adjacent to the planning area on an as needed basis
โ€ข Follow up support on placemaking recommendations made by City staff or third-party consultants
35%Business Pop-Up Event Coordination
โ€ข Conduct outreach to downtown businesses to gauge interest in hosting pop-up or activation events (live music, sidewalk sales, outside art displays, collaborative programming)
โ€ข Assist participating businesses with event logistics: scheduling, vendor coordination, signage
โ€ข Track events and businesses participating in the Downtown Event Activation Partner Pilot and help compile documentation for grant reimbursement
35%Front Window Artwork Installations
โ€ข Coordinate with vacant/participating storefront owners to schedule window art, murals, and temporary display installs under the Window Activation Program
โ€ข Serve as a liaison to preferred partners (UW-Whitewater Dept. of Art and Design, Whitewater Arts Alliance, Whitewater Unified School District) to help source artists/artwork
โ€ข Track small grant awards and maintain before/after photo documentation of installs
20%Reporting & Administrative Support
โ€ข Draft short progress updates for Director/Coordinator review
โ€ข Help track Initiative success metrics (events conducted, estimated attendance, participating businesses, activated windows) for the Council's Year 1 report
โ€ข General filing and records organization related to the Initiative
10%
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
โ€ข Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student (UW-Whitewater or comparable institution), preferably in political science/public administration, business, economics, urban and regional studies, environmental studies, communication, or a related field.
โ€ข Interest in local government, community development, or economic development.
โ€ข Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interacting with business owners and the public.
โ€ข Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with GIS, Canva, or social media platforms preferred but not required.
โ€ข Able to work independently on assigned tasks and manage a part-time schedule around coursework.
โ€ข Must satisfactorily complete background check required by the City of Whitewater policy for the role's level of access.
Supervision Received and/or Exercised
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Community Development Director and Economic Development Coordinator.
Not eligible for benefits.
Direct Deposit required.