The Democracy Collaborative (TDC) is hiring for a remote, part-time (up to 20 hours per week), paid intern position to support the work of the Anchor Learning Network (ALN). This internship will deal primarily with content development, facilitation, and applied research on topics pertaining to community engagement and community economic development in higher education. The intern will support the program manager of ALN with the strategic planning and implementation of network activities and will have the opportunity to participate in partnership meetings, conference calls, and conversations with middle and senior management from higher education institutions from around the country. For further details, please see the position description below. 

The Deadline for applications is July 16, 2021. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Anchor Learning Network (ALN) Background

The Anchor Learning Network is a learning-community created and managed by The Democracy Collaborative and the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). The CUMU-TDC Anchor Learning Network (ALN) is designed to facilitate a more rapid and effective advancement of the anchor mission within the 30 member institutions, their home communities, and across the higher education sector. By leveraging a peer learning framework, ALN members will systematically transform higher education to fully serve its public mission and advance the long-term social, economic, and physical health of our campuses and communities.

Internship Description: 

Daily activities will primarily support the content development, facilitation, and record-keeping of work related to four working groups, convenings, and other virtual engagement activities. The intern will also contribute to the development of case studies, research briefs, and literature reviews on university anchor mission strategies. Secondary activities include providing administrative and operational support ALN activities. The intern will play an important role in assisting the program manager of ALN in advancing objectives through learning and applied experience. 

You can learn more about the Anchor Learning Network, here. 

Learning Objectives and Deliverables:

• Provide administrative, operational, and facilitation support for ALN activities, including working group meetings, convenings, and other virtual engagement activities 
• Conduct applied research through the development of case studies, literature reviews, and research briefs
• Perform communications and outreach to ALN members as needed 

 Required Qualifications:

• Availability to work at least 15 hours a week
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Some prior experience with data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and applied research
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications and Google Suite applications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively 
• Demonstrated interest in community economic development, racial equity, economic democracy, and/or other social justice issues
• Previous experience working in higher education or non-profits
• Current graduate student pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in an education- or policy- related field

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience or interest in organizational change, university leadership, or community or civic engagement in higher education
• Familiarity with coordinating and maintaining coalitions or networks is a plus
• Familiarity with university driven economic development is a plus

 The internship will last 4 months during the fall with a potential for extension through the spring and possibly summer of 2022, with a start date in early September (with some flexibility to accommodate semester schedules and holiday breaks). The internship requires an ability to commit to around 15 hours/week working remotely. Interns will need to have their own working computer and internet connection. 

While we will work with the intern to set the days and times of work, these should be consistent week to week. The position will receive a $15 hourly stipend. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

If interested, please send a resume, cover letter, and a 1-4 page writing sample* to The Democracy Collaborative at jobs@democracycollaborative.org. Please include “Higher Education Engagement Intern, Anchor Learning Network” in the subject line.

*You may shorten longer writing samples for this purpose

The Democracy Collaborative Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.