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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!