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Entry Level Community Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL

$15 - $20.76/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This part-time, year-round ... Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay ...

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.76/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This part-time, year-round ... Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay ...

Company Description The Aparecio Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was designed as an economic development strategy to lift women out of poverty and as a community development approach to ...

Development Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... and advancing community initiatives. Our client, a prominent organization in Chicago, IL, is ... entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Community Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.6K

$78.5K

$122.1K

How much do entry level community development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level community development in Chicago, IL is $78,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,300.00 and $94,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professionals in community development, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level professionals in community development often encounter challenges such as building trust within diverse communities, managing multiple stakeholders with different priorities, and adapting quickly to evolving project needs. To address these, it's important to prioritize active listening, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and participate in regular team meetings to stay aligned with project goals. Developing strong communication and organizational skills can also help navigate the dynamic nature of community projects and foster effective collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level community development professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Community Development professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, social work, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of community engagement principles. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), project management software, and basic data analysis tools is often beneficial. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust, managing projects, and effectively supporting the needs of diverse communities.

What is an entry level community development?

An entry level community development job involves assisting with projects and initiatives aimed at improving local communities. These roles typically include tasks such as conducting outreach, organizing community events, gathering feedback from residents, and supporting senior staff with planning and implementation. Entry level positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in social work, urban planning, or public administration, and often require strong communication and organizational skills. The work helps build stronger, more resilient communities by addressing local needs and fostering engagement.

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 Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Community Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Community Development jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Community Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Community Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,469 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

$15 - $20.76/hr

Part-time, Internship

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description Are you looking to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced IT environment. The City of Lake Forest is seeking a motivated and curious IT Intern to support technology operations across a wide range of City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This part-time, year-round internship offers more than a typical seasonal or summer internship.

Over a period of up to 24 months, the IT Intern will work closely with the City's IT team to solve help desk issues, support technology projects, assist with computer imaging and deployment, and gain exposure to enterprise systems, cybersecurity, networking, cloud environments, and end-user support. This is a great opportunity for someone pursuing a career in information technology who wants meaningful hands-on experience, strong mentoring, and the chance to build a well-rounded technical foundation. Examples of Duties Provide help desk support and assist employees with technology questions and issues Assist with Windows computer imaging, setup, deployment, and configuration Support enterprise IT infrastructure, including workstations, networks, servers, and related systems Assist with technology projects, process improvements, and system updates Support data security initiatives and learn about multi-layered security practices Assist with maintaining on-premise and hybrid cloud environments Gain exposure to Microsoft 365, SQL, Active Directory administration, Cisco networking, and related technologies Document work, track issues, and support continuous improvement of IT processes Interact professionally with City staff across multiple departments Qualifications Knowledge of troubleshooting home or office applications, workstations, networks, and smartphone technology Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field Strong customer service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills Interest in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, networking, systems administration, and technology support Ability to learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and work both independently and as part of a team Technical certifications are a plus Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license Supplemental Information Why Join the City of Lake Forest.

Gain exposure to a broader range of technology than many traditional internships. Work alongside a supportive five-person IT team in a high-energy, enterprise environment. Build experience supporting diverse City operations, including public safety, public works, recreation, finance, HR, community development, and City administration.

Develop practical skills in help desk support, computer deployment, infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, and systems administration. Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay Part-time, year-round internship with a duration of up to 24 months Approximately 28-32 hours per week Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m

and 4:30 p.m. Anticipated Hiring Rate: Starting at $16.00 per hour, depending on qualifications Full pay range: $15.00 - $20.76 Benefits: IMRF pension, vacation time Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full job description here: Innovation & Technology (IT) Intern The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.