SECU Public Fellows Internship Program

https://www.oxfordnc.org/

Location and Service Area

Oxford, North Carolina
Serving Granville County

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)

Position Description

Under the general supervision of the Downtown Development Director, the City of Oxford is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic individual to assist in communication and special event efforts. This internship is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of local government, as well as develop extensive marketing and event coordination experiences.

• Assists in planning, writing, and managing monthly eNewsletter.
• Design flyers, graphics, and other marketing material for major events.
• Collaborates with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for
• marketing and communications.
• Assists with planning and implementing special events, and programs within the community.
• Assists with onsite setup and management of events.
• Maintains a professional level of confidentiality concerning matters of sensitive and official nature.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the City by assuring all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively.
• Has regular, predictable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Completed or working toward a college degree, preferably in a related field (e.g., Hospitality, Marketing/Communications, or Public Relations).
• Some marketing and communications experience preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license prior to internship.
• Required knowledge of communications and marketing principles, practices, and implementation methods.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and protocols.
• Firm grasp of available tools and platforms in the social media space.
• Ability to plan and coordinate projects, managing multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the general public, City employees, officials, neighborhood groups, media, etc.
• Required to operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of software.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, maintaining composure and confidentiality, and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.

https://www.kinstonteens.org/

Location and Service Area

Kinston, NC

Serving Lenoir County

Organization Mission

Kinston Teens is a youth-led nonprofit organization with a mission of empowering young people through service, leadership and civic engagement. Our organization, founded in 2014, operates at the intersections of youth empowerment and community development providing those who have been most marginalized and disenfranchised from leadership a chance to shape and influence the future of their neighborhoods. We have been steadfast responding to crises and natural disasters—including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic—along with organizing against gun violence, poverty, and health disparities.

About the Position

• Fully in-person
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

The Communications Assistant will be an integral part of Kinston Teens, contributing to our community development initiatives in East Kinston and our Neighborhood Hub. The intern will support our mission by utilizing various media forms to document, archive, and promote our organization’s work and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Main Project: The Communications Assistant intern will take the lead on a community-focused project during their internship. This project will involve:
• Conducting interviews and gathering stories from community members in East Kinston to showcase the impact of our programs and initiatives.
• Creating a multimedia presentation or report that tells the story of East Kinston’s development journey, using photographs, videos, and interviews.
• Collaborating with our team to promote this project through various media channels to raise awareness and support for our neighborhood’s growth.
• Photography
• Capture and edit visual content that highlights our community development efforts in East Kinston.
• Organize and categorize media files in our organization’s file management system (Google Drive).
• Perform necessary retouching and image adjustments.
• Maintain and operate photography equipment.
• Communications, Newsletter, and Social Media
• Collaborate on communications strategies that promote our programs and enhance our organization’s visibility.
• Develop a monthly newsletter featuring news, updates, upcoming events, and resources relevant to our East Kinston initiatives.
• Utilize analytic tools to assess the effectiveness of our digital campaigns.
• Create and manage content schedules to maintain a consistent online presence.
• Create and manage event listings on our website and social media platforms.
• Engage with our community during events through live social media postings.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in photography and photo editing software.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Passion for community development and a commitment to our mission.

https://www.ncfield.org/

Location and Service Area

Goldsboro, North Carolina
Serving Eastern North Carolina

Organization Mission

​Our mission is to work alongside marginalized communities to build capacity, achieve holistic systems, equitable access to resources, ​and ensure a strong inclusive rural North Carolina. We are dedicated to meeting the needs identified by farmworkers and their children in eastern North Carolina.

About the Position

• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)
• Flexibility with work hours and potential for remote arrangements.

Position Description

This internship position will focus on communications, grant research, and data entry. This internship has an important role in supporting our organization and our communities. You will gain practical experience in these areas, mentorship from experienced professionals, and networking opportunities across various facets of our organization.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, CRMs).
• Excellent research abilities with precision and attention to detail.
• Effective multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines
• Enthusiasm for learning and contributing in a team environment.
• Preference for applicants pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related fields (preferred).
• Previous experience in communications, grant research, or data entry is advantageous.
• Passionate about our organization’s mission and values.

https://partnersincommunitync.org/

Location and Service Area

Bolivia, NC

Serving Brunswick County

Organization Mission

To create solutions to Economic, Social and Human injustices in the Community.

About the Position

• Fully In-Person
• 20 hours a week for 14 weeks (part-time)

Position Description

Partners In Community, Inc is a community-based 501c3 nonprofit located in Southeastern North Carolina focused on working within communities to develop, plan and implement community resident-based solutions that increase health, financial and economic security, and resilience to combat social and human injustices.

We are looking for a Program Coordinator that can bring a unique perspective and outlook to the organization to assist with the research, development, and implementation of several projects and programs for the organization. In the following areas:

• Organizational Outreach- identify and reach out to other organizations and individuals with whom we can partner to accomplish mutual goals, including but not limited to volunteer opportunities, donation and distribution of food, civic engagement and voter registration.
• Public Relations and Social Media- help local residents learn about Partners In Community across multiple platforms: social media, advertising, publicity, attending events in person, and creatively developing opportunities for positive publicity.
• Website Management- This intern will work with our existing team to maintain our website at partnersincommunitync.org and will come up with and implement ideas for its improvement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social media, public relations, and digital marketing to effectively communicate across various platforms
• Creative thinking with a passion for staying up to date with trends and understanding when and how to appropriately engage to maximize visibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively tailor messages across media to best target key audiences.
• Organization with great attention to detail.
• Resourcefulness with the ability to multitask.
• Calendar and time management, with the ability to successfully arrange schedules.
• Computer skills, including high proficiency in email, Microsoft Office, and other job-specific programs.
• Valid drivers license with access to a vehicle.

https://whda.org/

Location and Service Area

Washington, NC

Serving Beaufort County

Organization Mission

The mission of the Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA) is to recruit and support businesses in the Central Business District while building partnerships that encourage preservation and promote the Harbor District as an inclusive, professional, commercial, cultural and residential community on the water.

Position Description

• Work closely with Executive Director on Marketing campaigns to encourage visitors and locals to come to downtown Washington specifically with a new branding campaign including website updates (content only), blogs, & social media
• Work closely with Executive Director in creating resources for businesses to grow such as website, Google, & social media reviews with suggestions on improvement opportunities
• Develop and implement a project designed to grow WHDA’s outreach to business owners and visitors to Washington
• Work with Harbor District Manager to serve customers during Market hours

Qualifications

• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Must be comfortable working with the public
• Must be dependable
• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus
• You are not required to be a licensed driver, but you must be able to find your own transportation to and from work
• This position is expected to serve mostly in-person

https://www.amexcannc.org

Location and Service Area

Greenville, North Carolina (Pitt County), Serving Eastern North Carolina

Organization Mission

Promote the active participation of Mexicans and Latinos in their new communities and encourage the appreciation, understanding, and prosperity of the Mexican and Latino community through cultural, educational, leadership, health, and advocacy.

About the Position

• This position is Hybrid (Remote and In-Person)
• Preferably available 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

As a part of the AMEXCAN team there are always new and exciting opportunities to grow personally and professionally. There are many programs and specialty projects and programs that will need attention. The Program Coordinator is responsible for planning and implementing assigned programs while working within relevant initiatives while interconnecting assignments with other coordinators for long term objectives. Utilizing skills from diverse areas will assist you in providing comprehensive programs for the community. One of the most important tools to combat disparities is the development and implementation of collaborative multisystem strategic plans that utilize diverse actions to create long term systemic changes. Each program and task you complete towards these goals must be specially tailored to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve and as needs of the community change, so will the programs and services the organization and you will need to offer. Some tasks you will complete for your projects are:

• Coordinate with other team members for events and activities
• Utilize outreach tools and methods to engage the community
• Coordinate with community leaders to develop action plans for activities
• Develop key partnerships for events and programs
• Plan, coordinate, and implement programs
• Coordinate with community partners for events
• Utilize outreach methods to recruit new members, volunteers, and community partners
• Attend essential meetings and program events
• Evaluate of programs and events
• Present program progress and evaluation data
• Assist members as needed
• Create lists of resources and providers in communities served
• Create contacts within available resources
• Facilitate community partnerships with local resources, the organization, and the community
• Coordinate community partners to present to the community
• Train volunteers in outreach methods, leadership skills, and program standards
• Ensure that partnerships remain beneficial to the community and follow ethical standards that preserve the dignity and safety of the community.
• Other duties as needed

Qualifications

This position is recommended to have access to a personal vehicle for transportation. The ideal candidate can demonstrate organizational and leadership skills.

Read about 2022’s AMEXCAN intern experience!

https://bgcdoc.org

Location and Service Area

Durham, NC

Serving Durham County

Organization Mission

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

About the Position

• Fully In-person
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

The Operations & Programming Internship will offer invaluable, experiential learning for a current college student who is interested in the day-to-day local operations and program delivery of a nationally recognized nonprofit. The intern will assist in the delivery of programs and services on a daily basis to club members ages 6-18 while working closely with the Director of Operations to identify and complete projects that add operational value to the organization.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement, supervise, and evaluate children and daily activities
• Assist and supervise students as they complete their virtual learning.
• Coordinate program services and cooperative learning activities for members and visitors that are both fun and instructional
• Supervise members in the program area; ensure safety of members, positive values, and ethical behavior through quality in programs and appearance of the unit at all times
• Promote and stimulate program participation
• Inventory all supplies necessary for program and submit requisitions for reordering
• Maintain administrative reports and submit them in a timely manner
• Establish positive relationships with children and their parents/guardians
• Performs other related duties and growth opportunities as assigned by management

Qualifications

• Knowledge of youth development with a minimum of two years experience in youth programs.
• Ability to function for more than 3 hours on feet
• Valid State Driver’s License
• Ability to maintain high level of energy
• Ability to motivate children and youth and manage behavior problems in a positive manner.
• Ability to deal with school officials, teachers and the general public in a professional, courteous manner.
• Ability to plan and implement quality age-appropriate programs for children and youth.
• Ability to organize and supervise youth Club members in a safe environment.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.

Competitive resumes will have the following:

• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate volunteers
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups
• Ability to plan and implement quality programs for youth
• CPR and First Aid Certifications

https://freedomorg.org/

Location and Service Area

Tarboro, NC

Serving Edgecombe County

Organization Mission

To partner with local, state and federal agencies to create holistic and comprehensive community development solutions. For historically Black and/or low-moderate income communities with a focus on promoting self-sufficiency and economic FREEDOM. Our core goals are:

• Preserve it. Ensuring that African American History and Culture isn’t lost during redevelopment through preservation.
• Revitalize it. Ensuring that the community has access to affordable housing as well as economic opportunities.
• Grow it. Ensuring that everyone has access to organic produce at an affordable cost. While also educating and providing agency for communities to live healthier lifestyles.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

We are looking for a dynamic, energetic intern who is eager to learn about our organization by assisting various departments. You will be working closely with our team to conduct research, capture data, and attend meetings where you will be asked to take minutes. To be successful as an Intern, you should be willing to help with any tasks assigned by the COO. You will be involved in upcoming projects as well as assisting with current campaigns.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Fulfilling tasks set out by the COO
• Attending meetings and taking minutes.
• Performing research at the COO’s request
• Conducting research related to topics of historical preservation, community and economic development, and/or agriculture, especially as they relate to historically Black and/or low-moderate income communities
  • Specifically, in 2024, we will be doing a short film centering around Princeville’s infrastructure. This year our interns will be assisting in gathering information on that.
• Updating social media platforms and writing copy for posts.
• Creating images and graphics for social media posts.

Qualifications

• Eager to learn and work with various departments in the company
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent organizational skills
• Intern should have a commitment to social justice
• Intern should have an interest in historical preservation, community and economic development, and/or agriculture, especially as they relate to historically Black and/or low-moderate income communities

https://www.kinstonteens.org/

Location and Service Area

Kinston, NC

Serving Lenoir County

Organization Mission

Kinston Teens is a youth-led nonprofit organization with a mission of empowering young people through service, leadership and civic engagement. Our organization, founded in 2014, operates at the intersections of youth empowerment and community development providing those who have been most marginalized and disenfranchised from leadership a chance to shape and influence the future of their neighborhoods. We have been steadfast responding to crises and natural disasters—including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic—along with organizing against gun violence, poverty, and health disparities.

About the Position

• Fully in-person
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

The Communications Assistant will be an integral part of Kinston Teens, contributing to our community development initiatives in East Kinston and our Neighborhood Hub. The intern will support our mission by utilizing various media forms to document, archive, and promote our organization’s work and programs.

Responsibilities:

• Main Project: The Communications Assistant intern will take the lead on a community-focused project during their internship. This project will involve:
• Conducting interviews and gathering stories from community members in East Kinston to showcase the impact of our programs and initiatives.
• Creating a multimedia presentation or report that tells the story of East Kinston’s development journey, using photographs, videos, and interviews.
• Collaborating with our team to promote this project through various media channels to raise awareness and support for our neighborhood’s growth.
• Photography
• Capture and edit visual content that highlights our community development efforts in East Kinston.
• Organize and categorize media files in our organization’s file management system (Google Drive).
• Perform necessary retouching and image adjustments.
• Maintain and operate photography equipment.
• Communications, Newsletter, and Social Media
• Collaborate on communications strategies that promote our programs and enhance our organization’s visibility.
• Develop a monthly newsletter featuring news, updates, upcoming events, and resources relevant to our East Kinston initiatives.
• Utilize analytic tools to assess the effectiveness of our digital campaigns.
• Create and manage content schedules to maintain a consistent online presence.
• Create and manage event listings on our website and social media platforms.
• Engage with our community during events through live social media postings.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in photography and photo editing software.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Passion for community development and a commitment to our mission.

https://www.chathamhomeless.org/

Location and Service Area

Siler City. NC

Serving Chatham County

Organization Mission

Love Chatham is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in January 2021 as a common banner under which churches, businesses and people from Chatham County can come together to serve and love those in our community suffering from homelessness and hunger.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)

Position Description

Love Chatham works within the community actively engaging our community members to problem solve and find ways to prevent homelessness, support those that are, and love our community members the best way we know how. As a faith based organization we minister to those around us and believe healing happens at a mental physical and spiritual level. Projects may include fundraising, grant writing, diving into local policy, networking and further connecting our organization, examining and improving operating procedures as well as interacting with clients and other volunteers. In the past the internship was adapted to the intern leveraging both skill and knowledge already accumulated while stretching the intern to get outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves in meaningful real world applications. We generally like to include at least one capstone project. Depending on time and intensity we may have another.

As we evolve and grow new opportunities frequently arise. For example, we are now live with out transitional housing program and are working on a White Flag Shelter model for the community since no emergency shelter exists in Chatham County. We partner with United Way, Salvation Army, the Department of Social Services, Central Piedmont Community Action and many others in an effort to provide community solutions. Other community partners like Mountaire, Food Lion, and CORA work with us to provide us with the necessary resources to serve the public. Love Chatham has a clothing closet ministry, food pantry ministry, furniture ministry, hotel ministry, housing program and a summer food program for children with several new ministries on the horizon. Chatham County is a rural county with several small cities and towns/townships. In Siler City, where we are located, there is a poverty level of over 20%,
affordable housing shortages, income disparity, issues with quality of housing, and food insecurity.

Depending on intern interests, responsibilities could include:

• Fundraising/ Project Management: Take a lead role in developing and executing the fundraiser and will take it from cradle to grave in collaboration with the director, volunteers, and other community members.
• Social Work/Case work: We’ve recently started our transitional house program and have started enrolling participants. Our House Manager works directly with clients and interfaces with many other programs in Chatham County that works closely together promoting the values of the community while serving those that need access to resources such as the housing program that Love Chatham has. This intern would review and become familiar with the overall housing program, guidelines, intake procedure, referral procedure, and work directly with the House Manager to assist the program in growing by: 1) Providing program feedback 2) Reviewing other programs for comparison 3) Reviewing public policy 4) Identifying potential funding sources (grants) 5) Working directly with clients (social work and casework). Our program is geared toward working with community members toward building a pathway to self-sufficiency and ultimately toward thriving as valued members of this community. For the social work/case work aspect of the internship, which could be a separate internship, we would be open to accepting applicants that have interest in this field but aren’t totally sure if this is a field that they’d like to pursue as a career.  It’s also a great internship for someone that knows that this is definitely what they’d like to do as the intern will have the opportunity to work directly with program participants through our transitional housing program all while being exposed to and mentored by the house manager on a regular basis.
• Public Policy: An intern that works with Love Chatham in this area may also provide analysis on housing gaps, resource gaps, capacity considerations, future community needs – especially considering the exponential growth projected for Chatham County, and help advance our community by considering barriers to housing (both traditional and unknown).

Qualifications

• Solid writing and communication skills
• Relationship building skills
• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to maintain deadlines
• Ability to deal with some ambiguous scenarios and make decisions based on the information available
• A desire to learn about the organization and how we’re integrated within the community is critical to the outcome of the internship
• Ability to keep up with multiple sources of communication (email, text, phone, etc)
• Grant writing experience or a desire to learn more about grant writing and potentially center a project around this
• Desire or ability to fundraise potentially as a capstone project
• Ok with picture being taken and/or interviewing with the local newspaper
• A desire to be developed professionally
• Healthy conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work remotely and in person (hybrid schedule)

https://www.uwfc.org/

Location and Service Area

Franklinton, NC

Serving Franklin County

Organization Mission

The United Way of Franklin County’s mission is to unite people and resources to build a strong community network focused on improving the quality of life by effectively addressing the health, social services and educational needs of the people of Franklin County. We fund community partners that offer programs and services to meet the needs of our community.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 20 hours a week for 14 weeks (part-time)
• Scheduled hours will vary based upon school and extracurricular schedules

Position Description

We created an Innovation Mobile Lab with state-of-the-art equipment, ideas, and engagement for children and adults that will allow an intern an opportunity to turn opportunities in STEM from a vision into a reality. This STEM internship will excite minds with creativity, and encourage new and nontraditional teaching techniques that support impulsiveness done right. Students can make a collective effort to succeed and foster entrepreneurship in Franklin County. This person will gain experience not only in STEM learning but also the fundamentals of creating a successful program.

The Innovation Coordinator will be the collaborator responsible for providing STEM lessons and content to boost curriculum in our Innovation mobile lab throughout rural North Carolina. The Innovation Instructor will share scientific knowledge and create opportunities for invention, design, and creation for students in Franklin County (and the surrounding areas).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Present dynamic science, technology, engineering, and math educational experiences to K-12 audiences and the community.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to develop, refine, and deliver memorable experiences.
• Coach staff and volunteers.
• Participate in training, evaluation, and motivation of other members of the community to participate in the mobile lab and bridge the gap between children and adults to create new career possibilities.
• Actively deliver engaging programs while modeling the highest standards of professionalism, inquiry-based techniques, interpersonal communication, and philosophy to create a superior educational experience.
• Drive the Innovation bus and transport items will be helpful.
• Contribute to marketing, including but not limited to social media posts and an exclusive Innovation lab site.
• Seek new information and creative new approaches present a variety of content from technology, engineering design processes, physical science, biosciences, and more.
• Research and implement a wide range of informal STEM learning practices.
• Creatively use programming software and digital fabrication equipment such as 3D printers and vinyl cutters.
• Safely work with chemicals and gasses including but not limited to liquid nitrogen, dry ice, nitric acid, methane, corrosive and flammable materials.
• Be willing to test ideas that may not work, and be resilient under pressure to continue to refine concepts.
• Encourage teachers to use the labs assisting with curriculum developing a new angle of learning.
• Enthusiastically represent the Innovation lab at all schools and community events, including but not limited to outreach programs, and community events. Communicate knowledgeably about STEM programs, policies, and procedures. Serve as a positive and enthusiastic spokesperson for community leaders.
• Assist in evaluating and coaching Novozymes, Franklin County Schools and community leaders in volunteer opportunities to provide a bridge from experiments and learning to career development and future possibilities.

Qualifications

• Current student in STEM or STEM related field of study.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a 32-passenger bus now converted to the Innovation Mobile Lab
• Preferred a year of outreach and engagement experience
• Proficiently use Google and/or Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to demonstrate enthusiastic and entertaining program delivery skills.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to contribute to development and execution of new program ideas.
• Attention to detail and proficiency in performing routine operational and administrative duties such as scheduling.
• Must have the ability to motivate volunteers.
• Must be self-confident and motivated; able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be detail-oriented and work well within a changing environment.
• Must be open-minded and flexible.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Frequent movement throughout the county, including outdoors, potentially for prolonged periods in varied weather conditions. Includes climbing narrow stairwells and occasionally lifting heavy objects such as supply bins and demonstrations.

Strong candidates will display:

• Learning Orientation/ Growth Mindset
• Organizational Skills
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Teamwork
• Collaboration Skills
• Communication Proficiency

Read about 2023’s United Way of Franklin County intern experience!

https://www.menandwomenunited.org/

Location and Service Area

Delco, NC

Serving Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus Counties

Organization Mission

Our mission is to promote education, resource awareness and to provide services to assist in creating independent and self–sufficient youth and families in our community. We believe that each family is the driving force behind their own success. Our programs assist, enrich, and enlighten each family member with valuable resources and educational opportunities to enhance the quality of their lives.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)

Position Description

Work with rural high school youth located in Columbus and Bladen counties, providing activities to keep youth engaged in workforce and career development activities. Coordinate/conduct life skills training and assist with food policy activities the youth are actively engaged in. These activities will enhance youth’s ability to attend college and or enroll in a program that leads to a credential.

Qualifications

The ideal intern should have experience working with youth, is experienced with google docs, PowerPoint, spread sheets and social media. Candidate should have license and transportation and a willingness to work with a team.

www.oicone.org

Location and Service Area

Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Serving Nash, Edgecombe, Northampton, Halifax and Wilson Counties

Organization Mission

OIC is a sustainable approach to workforce development. Through integrated programs, OIC is uniquely positioned to offer an excellent academy, employer engagement opportunities, and medical services. OIC is a rich resource for the broader community. All ages benefit from the expansive offerings. Students experience in-depth classroom sessions combined with real world simulations. Potential employers can find well trained, job ready, employees.

About the Position

• Fully In-Person

Position Description

This position performs tasks in support of various human resources processes and procedures. Primary responsibilities in the following functional areas: clerical/filing/data entry, maintenance of personnel information, employee documentations, assist with new hire orientation, assist with employee engagement initiatives, assist with summer youth program.

• Onboarding – Processes new employee paperwork, enters I-9 and e-verify for compliance, conducts background and reference checks; completes NC New Hire Reporting.
• Assists with recruitment – applicant tracking, scheduling interviews and maintenance of recruitment files.
• Ensures accuracy of data in timekeeping system.
• Monitors PTO and time off requests on a daily/weekly basis and communicates with departmental supervisors/managers of all corrections as needed.
• Files all personnel and HR related documents in the employees’ personnel files.
• Stay educated on understanding compliance with federal and state regulations concerning employment.
• Schedules interviews by contacting candidates.
• Keeps log of all candidates interviews with status updates.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Effective oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to multi-task and think critically; Strong computer skills with proficiency in computer software and Microsoft Office which includes Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• The ideal candidate would be outgoing and friendly, have strong interpersonal skills
• Must be computer literate with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

Read about 2020’s OIC, Inc. intern experience!

https://partnersincommunitync.org/

Location and Service Area

Bolivia, NC

Serving Brunswick County

Organization Mission

To create solutions to Economic, Social and Human injustices in the Community.

About the Position

• Fully In-Person
• 20 hours a week for 14 weeks (part-time)

Position Description

Partners In Community, Inc is a community-based 501c3 nonprofit located in Southeastern North Carolina focused on working within communities to develop, plan and implement community resident-based solutions that increase health, financial and economic security, and resilience to combat social and human injustices.

We are looking for a Program Coordinator that can bring a unique perspective and outlook to the organization to assist with the research, development, and implementation of several projects and programs for the organization. In the following areas:

• Organizational Outreach- identify and reach out to other organizations and individuals with whom we can partner to accomplish mutual goals, including but not limited to volunteer opportunities, donation and distribution of food, civic engagement and voter registration.
• Public Relations and Social Media- help local residents learn about Partners In Community across multiple platforms: social media, advertising, publicity, attending events in person, and creatively developing opportunities for positive publicity.
• Website Management- This intern will work with our existing team to maintain our website at partnersincommunitync.org and will come up with and implement ideas for its improvement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of social media, public relations, and digital marketing to effectively communicate across various platforms
• Creative thinking with a passion for staying up to date with trends and understanding when and how to appropriately engage to maximize visibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively tailor messages across media to best target key audiences.
• Organization with great attention to detail.
• Resourcefulness with the ability to multitask.
• Calendar and time management, with the ability to successfully arrange schedules.
• Computer skills, including high proficiency in email, Microsoft Office, and other job-specific programs.
• Valid drivers license with access to a vehicle.

https://www.peacehavenfarm.org/

Location and Service Area

Whitsett, NC

Serving Guilford & Alamance Counties

Organization Mission

Peacehaven Community Farm is a sustainable farm located on 89 beautiful acres of organic gardens, rolling pastures, and lush woodlands that connects people with special needs to their community.

About the Position

• Fully In-person
• Expected to work between 20-25 hours a week

Position Description

The Summer Programs Assistant will work with the Director of Programs and the Lead Educator to carry out the mission of Peacehaven Community Farm. The intended benefits of this internship is to assist Peacehaven Community Farm which is located in rural Guilford County in providing opportunities for engagement between people with and without disabilities and for them to learn and grow together. The Assistant will support the Lead Educator of Programs with coordinating and executing Peacehaven’s educational programs: RISE & Farm Corps.

• RISE is a job-training & professional development program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who wish to gain employment.
• The Farm Corps program is an initiative between the Greensboro Police Department and Cone Health to provide summer programs and training for underserved youth. This program will take place during the day on the farm completing farm tasks. Also, Farm Corps participants will serve as peer coaches for the RISE program. The Assistant will follow the Lead Educator and Director of Agriculture plan of action and will work with the youth in this capacity.

In addition, the Program’s Assistant will work with the Community Engagement Coordinator to organize volunteer opportunities and participate in any community speaking engagements. Finally, the Program’s Assistant will also work at times with Peacehaven’s Core Members (residents on the farm) during their daily activities.

Qualifications

The Program’s Assistant will need to be able to provide their own transportation. This position is expected to be fully in-person. It is helpful if the participant enjoys engaging in conversation with others and likes to take initiative to not only complete tasks given to them, but also see tasks that need to be completed and do those on their own. Knowledge and experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is helpful but is not required.

Read about 2023’s Peacehaven intern experience!

https://www.corafoodpantry.org

Location and Service Area

Pittsboro, NC

Serving Chatham County

Organization Mission

CORA is a non-profit organization that provides food to residents of Chatham County during financial crisis caused by loss of jobs, health conditions, and other personal situations. Founded in 1989, CORA has served the community with kindness, compassion, and dedication to ensure that families in need do not experience hunger.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• This position is primarily part-time (20 hrs/wk), but there may be weeks with close to full-time hours (40 hrs/wk).
• Ideally, we’re looking for someone who could start part-time, mostly remote during the spring semester.

Position Description

SNACK (Summer Nutrition Assistance for Chatham Kids) provides boxes of food to children facing food insecurity during the summer school holiday. In 2023 SNACK provided more than 190,000 meals to 1,312 Chatham County children. The SNACK assistant will help in all aspects of the administration of this program, participant registration, establishing and coordinating distribution locations, menu planning, community outreach, etc. Much of the position can be completed remotely, but during distribution weeks there will be frequent travel to locations throughout Chatham County. Planning for the SNACK program begins early April so an ideal candidate will be available part-time, mostly remote, starting April 1st.

Qualifications

Candidate will need to have access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required. Someone with Spanish language proficiency is strongly preferred.

https://elfuturo-nc.org

Location and Service Area

Durham, NC

Serving Durham, Orange, Chatham and Wake Counties

Organization Mission

El Futuro is a nonprofit outpatient clinic that provides comprehensive mental health services for Latino families in a bilingual environment of healing and hope. We keep nurturing stronger familias to live out their dreams.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 20 hours a week for 14 weeks (part-time)

Position Description

The Advancing Latinx Mental Health Access (ALMA)/Training Education and Consultation Intern will support the Technical Assistance and Consultation Program Lead to develop, grow and maintain a consultation and technical assistance program aimed at improving access to mental health care for the Latinx community throughout North Carolina. Too often Spanish speakers and Latinx immigrants in rural North Carolina can’t access quality mental health support–ALMA is attempting to expand access to every part of the state. This position is hybrid (in-person & remote).

Primary Responsibilities:

Work on two or more of the following projects depending on interests and skill sets:

• Communications and Outreach Plan and Recruitment materials for self-directed learning and consultation work, using census data to identify communities with significant need
• Communications for Self-Directed Learning Course
• Integrating Intellectual Property language into materials
• Evaluation development for new TECS initiatives
• Materials to support Latine mental wellbeing training/coaching sessions/advanced training and support facilitating sessions (including developing tools for CHWs to support implementation of skills)
• Research and Development of tools for Technical Assistance & Consultation related to Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services standards
• Develop a revised presentation bank, solicit and organize donations, and promote use of saved assets
• Obtain participants’ and/or prospects’ input by administering surveys or assessments to support continuous quality improvement and research
• Creating a pipeline, support integration of culturally responsive content into Human Services curricula and using as a template for other community colleges
• Identifying Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and emerging HSIs with BSW programs for outreach to increase the pipeline of Latine mental health clinicians.

Qualifications

• Experience with community/non-profit mental health/health organizations and demonstrated experience working with or awareness of the context of traditionally under-resourced communities, preferably Latine communities
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and ability to build effective relationships with internal and external staff at all levels
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to self-monitor
• Flexibility, creativity and a spirit of collaboration to address developing programmatic needs
• Computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office products, cloud-based file management software (e.g., Box.com), online data collection and web conferencing skills (e.g. Zoom)
• Required: Must be able to document professional reports, program outcomes in English.
• Strongly preferred: Spanish language proficiency

Read about 2023’s El Futuro Intern Experience!

https://www.ncfield.org/

Location and Service Area

Goldsboro, North Carolina
Serving Eastern North Carolina

Organization Mission

​Our mission is to work alongside marginalized communities to build capacity, achieve holistic systems, equitable access to resources, ​and ensure a strong inclusive rural North Carolina. We are dedicated to meeting the needs identified by farmworkers and their children in eastern North Carolina.

About the Position

• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)
• Flexibility with work hours and potential for remote arrangements.

Position Description

This internship position will focus on communications, grant research, and data entry. This internship has an important role in supporting our organization and our communities. You will gain practical experience in these areas, mentorship from experienced professionals, and networking opportunities across various facets of our organization.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, CRMs).
• Excellent research abilities with precision and attention to detail.
• Effective multitasking, prioritization, and meeting deadlines
• Enthusiasm for learning and contributing in a team environment.
• Preference for applicants pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management, or related fields (preferred).
• Previous experience in communications, grant research, or data entry is advantageous.
• Passionate about our organization’s mission and values.

https://ocrcc.org

Location and Service Area

Chapel Hill, NC

Organization Mission

Founded in 1974, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center is a non-profit agency serving survivors of sexual violence in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and surrounding areas. Our free and confidential services for survivors and their loved ones include 24-Hour Helplines, therapy, advocacy and accompaniment, support groups, workshops, therapy, and case management.  OCRCC also offers a wide range of community engagement and prevention education programming.  Many OCRCC services and programs are offered in Spanish.

About the Position

• Fully In-Person
• Two options for internships depending on student interests

Position Description

Overall, there are two big projects to tackle:

1. We plan to have an intern who supports bridging the gap between social media and client services by building out a maintaining informational reels/tiktoks/etc.
2. Supporting in the creation of additional training structures and scenario based work related to sexual trauma including but not limited to training local police officers. Additional tasks listed on the website.

The Orange County Rape Crisis Center has multiple internship positions currently open. This allows for applicants to express their interests and where their skills might be the best fit:

• Development & Communications Intern: This internship is supervised by the Development Director. The position requires 12-16 hours per week, if needed by the school’s program we can accommodate 20-32 hrs. and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. The position is an indirect practice position (macro level). Please click here for full description.
• Advocacy Intern: This position is supervised by the Client Services Director. The position requires 12-32 hours per week and a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Please click here for full description.

Qualifications

Drivers license, access to a vehicle, able to be in person (no remote options available)

https://www.projectmomentumnc.com/

Location and Service Area

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Serving Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson Counties

Organization Mission

Project Momentum’s mission is to address urgent and emergent health disparities in Edgecombe, Wilson and Nash counties by providing holistic services without excuses.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• Prefer someone available approx. 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time), but this is flexible to intern needs and schedule

Position Description

This intern will report to the Field Program Coordinator. More information about the MAPSCorps program can be found online at https://mapscorps.org/.

MAPSCorps Assistant Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with staff and MAPSCorps Central to finalize program planning (e.g., mapping and curriculum schedule, logistics for providing food and transportation for students, preparing materials, etc.)
• Prepare for leading students by reviewing lesson plans and completing MAPSCorps taxonomy training
• Support the Field Program Coordinator in supervising 10 high school students
• Coordinate lunches for students Monday-Thursday
• Coordinate logistics of scheduling mapping, lunch, and education sessions for students
• Drive high school students to mapping locations as needed
• Assist students in mapping the Edgecombe and Nash community using an app
• Support field program coordinators in leading lessons for students using provided materials
• Support field program coordinators in guide students in completing a summer-long research project for them to present at a community symposium at the end of the summer

Qualifications

• Required to have a NC Driver’s License .
• Have access to a laptop computer
• Ability to work independently.
• Be a team player.
• Be able to maintain confidentiality of records management.
• Be able to complete tasks in a timely manner.  Be able to work and adapt in an environment of constant change.
• Be able to work effectively in a remote capacity at least part of the time.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

The ideal candidate for this position is highly organized, pays great attention to detail, excels in critical thinking, and has the ability to analyze data. Special training will be provided.

https://www.ucpcog.org/

Location and Service Area

Wilson, NC

Serving Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Wilson Counties

Organization Mission

The UCPCOG population of 296,296 is ranked eighth in the State. Unfortunately, as of 2019 four of the five counties (Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson, and Northampton) are designated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce as Tier 1 economically distressed. In the region, 19.3% of the population lives in poverty. Associated with these dismal statistics are many problems but also many opportunities for making improvements. It is the mission of UCPCOG to address these concerns. “Working for a better tomorrow” is job one.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 20-40 hours a week for up to 300 hours total

Position Description

The Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) is seeking a Regional Planning Associate who will work among a team of 7 professional regional planners to administer and develop projects, detailed below, that benefit the five-county Upper Coastal Plain region. Serving as the lead regional organizations for a five-county region (Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, and Wilson Counties), UCPCOG’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) works in partnership with federal, state, and local member governments, allied organizations, and community leadership. With diverse sources of funding, PDS comprehensively identifies and addresses local and regional priorities and needs in the interrelated areas of community and economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and more.

The Regional Planning Associate will assist with regional food system planning efforts related to the regional food system vision and plan that comes out of the Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy in May of 2024. This could include, but is not limited to, finding funding to implement action items in the plan, exploring the need for a regional food council and the foundation needed for one, updating a map of food system infrastructure and farm and food business assistance, and participating in food system groups and conversations across the region/state to understand and promote the role of COGs in facilitating food system activities.

The Regional Planning Associate will also work with the PDS Director to update the 2021 Upper Coastal Plain Digital Inclusion Plan with the newly formed Upper Coastal Plain Digital Literacy Coalition (DLC). The Regional Planning Associate will guide the DLC in conducting a new digital inclusion asset inventory assessment that highlights the needs for broadband availability, broadband adoption, access to devices, digital literacy, and digital workforce development needs. Using the results of the asset inventory assessment, the Regional Planning Associate will guide the DLC in setting goals and objectives to address gaps and expand successful programs across the region. Unique goals and objectives will be developed for each county and the updated Digital Inclusion Plan will include region-wide goals and objectives. This process will involve data gathering, survey development and administration, research, meeting facilitation, presentations to elected boards and non-profit organizations, and plan development/publishing. The goal will not be to replace the 2021 Digital Inclusion Plan with an entirely new plan, but to develop a 2024 Digital Inclusion Plan Update using the existing plan as a template and the new DLC’s guidance to set refreshed goals and objectives.

The Regional Planning Associate may be asked to assist with other projects that relate to the Upper Coastal Plain Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS 2023-2027), which can be downloaded at ucpcog.org.

Qualifications

Ability to work remotely and in-person (mostly remote with the option of working from the office and some required in-person meetings), ability to attend occasional evening meetings, valid NC driver’s license, access to a vehicle, an interest in working with very small local governments and non-profit organizations, willingness to work with a team, good time management skills, knowledge of the principles of food system and digital inclusion planning, desktop publishing experience (such as Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Canva, or something similar to develop high-quality visual aids), and experience with (or interest in) working with traditionally underserved populations.

https://vecinos.org/

Location and Service Area

Cullowhee, NC

Serving the 9 Western NC Counties. The office is located in Jackson County.

Organization Mission

Vecinos is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare organization serving and advocating for farmworkers and uninsured, low-income adults in western North Carolina. We have a specific focus on the Latinx and farmworker community. Agricultural work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country and workers face many barriers when it comes to accessing care. Vecinos aims to break down health care barriers by bringing services directly to the community. Our mission is to provide culturally-appropriate health and wellness services for the uninsured Latinx community​.

About the Position

• Fully in-person
• 20-40 hours a week for up to 300 hours total

Position Description

Primary Internship Projects:

• Interpretation and case management at ECU dental clinic
• Interpretation and case management during Vecinos’ weekly on-site clinic – Wednesday evenings
• Outreach with staff and mobile clinic, focusing on health assessments and health education – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings
• Office management, ensuring files are properly managed, HIPAA compliance is met, and patient confidentiality is maintained
• Reporting and data entry to FHASES and Athena, our patient databases

Qualifications

• Fluent Spanish/English
• Understanding of cultural competency and a desire to work with diverse people of all ages, without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or socioeconomic background.
• Ability to work with a team and independently
• Leadership skills, self-direction, time-management, and initiative
• Ability to keep and organize accurate patient records and files
• Availability to work nights along with the willingness to work in difficult working environments (e.g. overcrowded, substandard housing, which often lacks basic sanitation; working in adverse weather conditions).
• Current valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation

https://blueprintnc.org

Location and Service Area

Raleigh, North Carolina
Serving Eastern North Carolina

Organization Mission

Blueprint provides opportunities for training, resource sharing and convening for partner organizations that use civic engagement and education to advocate for a healthy democracy that works to remove barriers and to provide the resources communities need to achieve opportunity, security and well-being.

About the Position

• Fully Remote
• 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (full-time)
• This intern will do their work from home but will have the opportunity to attend some in-person events and meetings.

Position Description

This intern will be tasked to help grow an expanding progressive infrastructure in communities capable of shifting policy, hearts, and minds. We know that we cannot have an inclusive democracy without clean air and water, access to affordable housing, equitable public education, safe communities, and health care because these are necessary pre-conditions of full participation in a democracy that can actually work for all of us.

Interns will assist in helping our partners to develop work plans that help their communities reach these goals. Intern will work with partners providing technical assistance and training so that they are successful. Interns will be expected to work a 40-hour work week and attend staff and Team Reach meetings. Primary projects will include managing the ENC Newsletter, conducting bi-weekly Team ENC meetings, and facilitating training sessions for environmental justice, capacity building, and voter outreach.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have strong communication skills, and Google and Office suite skills. A driver’s license and transportation is helpful but not required.

https://www.chathamhomeless.org/

Location and Service Area

Siler City. NC

Serving Chatham County

Organization Mission

Love Chatham is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in January 2021 as a common banner under which churches, businesses and people from Chatham County can come together to serve and love those in our community suffering from homelessness and hunger.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)

Position Description

Love Chatham works within the community actively engaging our community members to problem solve and find ways to prevent homelessness, support those that are, and love our community members the best way we know how. As a faith based organization we minister to those around us and believe healing happens at a mental physical and spiritual level. Projects may include fundraising, grant writing, diving into local policy, networking and further connecting our organization, examining and improving operating procedures as well as interacting with clients and other volunteers. In the past the internship was adapted to the intern leveraging both skill and knowledge already accumulated while stretching the intern to get outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves in meaningful real world applications. We generally like to include at least one capstone project. Depending on time and intensity we may have another.

As we evolve and grow new opportunities frequently arise. For example, we are now live with out transitional housing program and are working on a White Flag Shelter model for the community since no emergency shelter exists in Chatham County. We partner with United Way, Salvation Army, the Department of Social Services, Central Piedmont Community Action and many others in an effort to provide community solutions. Other community partners like Mountaire, Food Lion, and CORA work with us to provide us with the necessary resources to serve the public. Love Chatham has a clothing closet ministry, food pantry ministry, furniture ministry, hotel ministry, housing program and a summer food program for children with several new ministries on the horizon. Chatham County is a rural county with several small cities and towns/townships. In Siler City, where we are located, there is a poverty level of over 20%,
affordable housing shortages, income disparity, issues with quality of housing, and food insecurity.

Depending on intern interests, responsibilities could include:

• Fundraising/ Project Management: Take a lead role in developing and executing the fundraiser and will take it from cradle to grave in collaboration with the director, volunteers, and other community members.
• Social Work/Case work: We’ve recently started our transitional house program and have started enrolling participants. Our House Manager works directly with clients and interfaces with many other programs in Chatham County that works closely together promoting the values of the community while serving those that need access to resources such as the housing program that Love Chatham has. This intern would review and become familiar with the overall housing program, guidelines, intake procedure, referral procedure, and work directly with the House Manager to assist the program in growing by: 1) Providing program feedback 2) Reviewing other programs for comparison 3) Reviewing public policy 4) Identifying potential funding sources (grants) 5) Working directly with clients (social work and casework). Our program is geared toward working with community members toward building a pathway to self-sufficiency and ultimately toward thriving as valued members of this community. For the social work/case work aspect of the internship, which could be a separate internship, we would be open to accepting applicants that have interest in this field but aren’t totally sure if this is a field that they’d like to pursue as a career.  It’s also a great internship for someone that knows that this is definitely what they’d like to do as the intern will have the opportunity to work directly with program participants through our transitional housing program all while being exposed to and mentored by the house manager on a regular basis.
• Public Policy: An intern that works with Love Chatham in this area may also provide analysis on housing gaps, resource gaps, capacity considerations, future community needs – especially considering the exponential growth projected for Chatham County, and help advance our community by considering barriers to housing (both traditional and unknown).

Qualifications

• Solid writing and communication skills
• Relationship building skills
• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to maintain deadlines
• Ability to deal with some ambiguous scenarios and make decisions based on the information available
• A desire to learn about the organization and how we’re integrated within the community is critical to the outcome of the internship
• Ability to keep up with multiple sources of communication (email, text, phone, etc)
• Grant writing experience or a desire to learn more about grant writing and potentially center a project around this
• Desire or ability to fundraise potentially as a capstone project
• Ok with picture being taken and/or interviewing with the local newspaper
• A desire to be developed professionally
• Healthy conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work remotely and in person (hybrid schedule)

https://www.ucpcog.org/

Location and Service Area

Wilson, NC

Serving Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Wilson Counties

Organization Mission

The UCPCOG population of 296,296 is ranked eighth in the State. Unfortunately, as of 2019 four of the five counties (Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson, and Northampton) are designated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce as Tier 1 economically distressed. In the region, 19.3% of the population lives in poverty. Associated with these dismal statistics are many problems but also many opportunities for making improvements. It is the mission of UCPCOG to address these concerns. “Working for a better tomorrow” is job one.

About the Position

• Hybrid (in-person & remote)
• 20-40 hours a week for up to 300 hours total

Position Description

The Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments (UCPCOG) is seeking a Regional Planning Associate who will work among a team of 7 professional regional planners to administer and develop projects, detailed below, that benefit the five-county Upper Coastal Plain region. Serving as the lead regional organizations for a five-county region (Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, and Wilson Counties), UCPCOG’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) works in partnership with federal, state, and local member governments, allied organizations, and community leadership. With diverse sources of funding, PDS comprehensively identifies and addresses local and regional priorities and needs in the interrelated areas of community and economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and more.

The Regional Planning Associate will assist with regional food system planning efforts related to the regional food system vision and plan that comes out of the Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy in May of 2024. This could include, but is not limited to, finding funding to implement action items in the plan, exploring the need for a regional food council and the foundation needed for one, updating a map of food system infrastructure and farm and food business assistance, and participating in food system groups and conversations across the region/state to understand and promote the role of COGs in facilitating food system activities.

The Regional Planning Associate will also work with the PDS Director to update the 2021 Upper Coastal Plain Digital Inclusion Plan with the newly formed Upper Coastal Plain Digital Literacy Coalition (DLC). The Regional Planning Associate will guide the DLC in conducting a new digital inclusion asset inventory assessment that highlights the needs for broadband availability, broadband adoption, access to devices, digital literacy, and digital workforce development needs. Using the results of the asset inventory assessment, the Regional Planning Associate will guide the DLC in setting goals and objectives to address gaps and expand successful programs across the region. Unique goals and objectives will be developed for each county and the updated Digital Inclusion Plan will include region-wide goals and objectives. This process will involve data gathering, survey development and administration, research, meeting facilitation, presentations to elected boards and non-profit organizations, and plan development/publishing. The goal will not be to replace the 2021 Digital Inclusion Plan with an entirely new plan, but to develop a 2024 Digital Inclusion Plan Update using the existing plan as a template and the new DLC’s guidance to set refreshed goals and objectives.

The Regional Planning Associate may be asked to assist with other projects that relate to the Upper Coastal Plain Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS 2023-2027), which can be downloaded at ucpcog.org.

Qualifications

Ability to work remotely and in-person (mostly remote with the option of working from the office and some required in-person meetings), ability to attend occasional evening meetings, valid NC driver’s license, access to a vehicle, an interest in working with very small local governments and non-profit organizations, willingness to work with a team, good time management skills, knowledge of the principles of food system and digital inclusion planning, desktop publishing experience (such as Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, Canva, or something similar to develop high-quality visual aids), and experience with (or interest in) working with traditionally underserved populations.