Community Development Associate Intern

Overview

Strategic Communities is seeking a Community Development Associate Intern to support projects during the summer of 2026. The intern will primarily focus on the following projects: 1. a neighborhood planning initiative in northern NJ; 2. supporting a church in building affordable housing on its campus; and 3. annual applications to the NJ Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program on behalf of several community development organizations. This position will occasionally be assigned other research, writing, analytical, or administrative tasks supporting other projects and priorities.

The position will begin in May 2026 and run through the end of August 2026. Depending on project needs and candidate performance and availability, it is possible that the internship could be extended into the Fall Semester of 2026.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. Please submit your application as soon as possible, as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and before the application deadline of April 10, 2026.

Specific Duties include (but are not limited to):

·        Supporting community planning meetings, including meeting preparation, co-facilitation of meeting topics, and post-meeting compilation of notes and materials

·        Shaping, writing, revising, and editing grant applications, reports, presentation material, preparatory documents, and other content

·        Data analysis and planning-related research

·        Production of maps, photos, charts, and other materials needed to advance project goals

·        Synthesizing both data and input from clients and community members into proposed actions and strategies

·        Creating, modifying, and updating development budgets, grant budgets, and financial reports

·        Correspondence with clients and stakeholders regarding scheduling, project tasks, and follow-up

·        Organization of project documents and materials

Key Qualifications:

·        Knowledge of community development, planning, and non-profit management strategies and practices through study, experience, or some combination

·        Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to quickly and accurately integrate feedback and comments from reviewers into written drafts

·        Demonstrated ability and discipline to understand expectations, meet deadlines, and consistently produce high-quality work

·        Strong analytical skills

·        Ability to verbally communicate in a professional and relaxed manner with both clients and everyday community members

·        Familiarity with basic budgeting and accounting practices and strategies, as related to grant management, real estate projects, and non-profit organizational management

·        Experience working with diverse populations and guiding productive discussions with a diverse range of viewpoints

·        Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Suite

·        Familiarity with mapping or design software like ArcGIS, Canva, Adobe, etc.

·        Strong character, including honesty, integrity, and accountability

·        Bonus, but not required: Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish, at least at an intermediate level

Please still consider applying even if you don’t meet every qualification perfectly.

Parameters:

·        Part-Time: Approximately 20 hours per week on average

·        Pay Rate: $25 to $32 an hour, depending on experience, though open to negotiation with especially experienced candidates

·        Schedule: This position will start in May 2026 and run until the end of August. The intern will be expected to work three set workdays each week, with availability to attend assigned community meetings outside of regular hours. During weeks when there are community meetings or other special commitments, the schedule can be adjusted. The position’s schedule can likely workaround any reasonable pre-planned summer travel dates.

·        Location: Approximately 60% to 75% of the work will be done remotely from your home office. However, this position must attend a biweekly in-person check-in meeting in New Brunswick, and visit client neighborhoods as assigned for community meetings or other research. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the current federal rates.  

·        Term: This is a temporary summer internship, with a planned end date at the close of August 2026. However, there is a possibility that it could be extended into the Fall semester, depending on business circumstances and the intern’s performance.

This position will provide an opportunity to get hands-on, professional planning experience, along the lines of that required for AICP certification. It will also provide an opportunity to work with some of the top community-development organizations across the state, and to develop skills and experience related to grant writing, which is valuable in the non-profit sector.

To Apply:

Please email your resume and a brief cover letter to Jason Rowe, Principal at jason.rowe1@gmail.com. Please write “Community Development Associate Intern” in the subject line.

Please apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2026.

Even if you do not meet every job qualification, please still apply if you feel passionate about this opportunity.