Development Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE: CCRH Affordable Housing Development Intern
STATUS: Temporary, Paid Internship (June 2026 - May 2027)
FLSA: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Housing Director and/or Deputy Directors
SUPERVISES: None
LOCATION: West Sacramento Office
WORKING HOURS: This position begins full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer and transitions to part-time (16-20 hours per week) during the academic year. This internship is co-hosted by the California Coalition for Rural Housing. Some evening or weekend hours may be required to support project deadlines, meetings, trainings, or community engagement activities. Interns may work up to a total of 1,320 hours during the program year. Interns are required to participate in all CCRH program activities, including:
• Summer Training Institute (in-person and virtual)
• Ongoing virtual training sessions
• Midwinter Retreat
• Final Presentation and Graduation
SUMMARY: The Affordable Housing Development Intern is a one-year, paid internship designed to provide hands-on experience in affordable housing real estate development and community development. Interns are employed by a Host Agency and contribute to active, real-world housing projects that serve rural and low-income communities. This position offers a structured learning environment focused on professional growth, technical skill-building, and leadership development. Interns will gain exposure to all phases of the development process, including financial analysis, project planning, community engagement, and financing applications. The intern participates in the California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) Internship Program, which includes required training, mentorship, and program activities designed to prepare participants for full-time careers in affordable housing and community development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program & Project Support
1. Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of affordable housing development projects
2. Support ongoing project work within the agency's development pipeline
3. Participate in internal meetings, project discussions, and stakeholder coordination
Financial Analysis & Development Support
1. Assist with development financial proformas, including rent calculations, operating budgets, and cash flow analysis
2. Support preparation of financing applications (e.g., TCAC, CDLAC, HCD, CDBG, AHP)
3. Conduct research and compile data to support development feasibility and funding opportunities
Development Process & Planning
1. Review and interpret site plans, construction drawings, and project designs
2. Assist with research related to zoning, permitting, and project approvals
3. Gain exposure to subdivision, entitlement, and development approval processes
Loan Closing & Documentation
1. Assist or shadow staff in the loan closing process and related documentation
2. Support coordination of project records and administrative documentation
Community Engagement & Coordination
1. Participate in community outreach, meetings, and engagement activities
2. Support coordination with community stakeholders, partners, and public agencies
Leadership Development & Training
1. Participate in CCRH-required trainings, retreats, and professional development sessions
2. Shadow senior leadership and attend high-level meetings when appropriate
3. Engage in mentorship opportunities, including periodic meetings with agency leadership
Program Completion
1. Complete a final project and presentation as part of the CCRH Internship Program
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.
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 ability required. This internship is designed to support participants transitioning into full-time careers in affordable housing and related fields.
1. College student (final year preferred) or recent graduate
2. Interest in affordable housing, real estate development, urban planning, or community development
3. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
4. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a professional environment
5. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
6. Commitment to serving tribal, rural and low-income communities
TRIBAL AND INDIAN PREFERENCE
Pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 450e (b)), the Dry Creek Rancheria applies the policy of "Tribal and Indian Preference" when filling vacancies. Tribal and Indian Preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or band. The Dry Creek Rancheria reserves the right to require applicants claiming to be American Indian or Alaskan Native a copy of their Certificate of Tribal Enrollment or Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) card.
EDUCATION:
1. Current enrollment as a Junior or Senior in or recent completion of a Bachelor's degree program in urban planning, real estate, public policy, finance, community development, or a related field is preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
1. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential to the successful conduct of this position.
3. Ability to write accurate, grammatically correct, polished reports and business correspondence.
4. Must be able to speak with the public professionally.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
1. Must have basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
2. Ability to perform calculations and use excel related to budgets, rents, and financial projections
REASONING ABILITY:
1. Ability to analyze data, define problems, and develop solutions
2. Ability to interpret technical documents, financial models, and regulatory requirements
3. Ability to manage detailed tasks and adapt to evolving project needs
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:
1. Must be able to obtain and hold a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
2. Must be able to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
3. Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
4. Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
1. This is a fast-paced, highly diverse work environment, and the position requires the ability to remain flexible and get along with all personality types.
2. Must be able to manage several priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.
3. Must be able to respond calmly to customer concerns and questions.
A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST, FINGERPRINTING, AND BACKGROUND CHECK ARE REQUIRED.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.