Community & Economic Development Intern

OVERVIEW

University of Wisconsin-Extension in Walworth County is seeking a talented intern with a strong interest in economic development and downtown vitality to provide support for research and educational programming. This Intern will provide critical research and outreach support to the Extension Educator in collecting information and delivering educational programs to a wide variety of local stakeholders for two large economic development programs: County-wide Economic Development Strategy, and Downtown Whitewater Market Analysis and Vitality Strategy. This may include collection and dissemination of research and survey data, support workshops and public forums, and directed engagement with traditionally underrepresented populations.

This internship is designed as a positive educational work experience contributing to career development in community and economic development and serve as a hands-on introduction to University Extension programs. The intern will be provided mentorship and access to University faculty and resources for professional development. This Internship provides a unique opportunity to participate, support, and learn from a high-profile economic development capacity building projects with a range of UW-Extension faculty and educators. The intern will have the opportunity to play a role in all parts of the planning and analysis process, engage with local and state community and economic development professionals, and be exposed to the planning and implementation of a comprehensive county Extension program.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The efforts of the Community Economic Development Intern will be focused on two projects:

UW Extension is partnered with the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance to lead the formulation of a Countywide Economic Development Strategy. Utilizing the Asset-Based Economic Development model, the focus will be on identifying key strengths of the County and its communities and developing strategies to create durable economic progress and buy-in from public and private sector stakeholders. The Extension role is to lead facilitation, research and analysis, and education regarding economic conditions, trends, key concepts, and strategies to increase capacity for local governments, institutions, businesses and citizens.

Walworth County is home to eleven distinct, historical downtown business districts occupying a wide variety of economic conditions. UW-Extension is engaged with local municipalities and non-profits focused on improving positive activity in these areas. This intern will perform specific research and outreach activities, including collecting information supporting Business Market Analysis studies, Community Design and Placemaking exercises, and associated presentations, forums, and workshops, depending upon the intern’s strengths and interests. For more examples of similar projects, see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/downtowns/index.cfm. Programming will follow existing UW-Extension curriculum and tools as well as experimental and innovative approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicant must be registered as a student for fall 2013 semester.
• Advanced undergraduate student in Real Estate Development, Economics, Geography, or similar field.
• Coursework in areas regarding community development, economic development, and/or urban planning.
• Knowledge of community and economic development tools and concepts.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team to plan, implement, and evaluate community-based, non-formal educational programs that reach, and are accessible to, a diverse audience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to value individual and cultural differences.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to adapt to changing programming and workplace priorities.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to use word processing and the Internet.
• Reliable transportation to and from community-based work sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Graduate student in Urban & Regional Planning, Public Administration, Real Estate, Economics, or similar field.
• Knowledge and interest in challenges facing downtowns in small cities.
• Knowledge and interest in economic development challenges in small cities and rural/exurban areas.
• Experience working on applied research and outreach projects regarding community and economic development.
• Experience engaging communities traditionally not engaged well by traditional economic development, including Hispanic/Latino households and businesses.
• GIS experience or coursework.

COMPENSATION & WORK SCHEDULE

This position is initially funded for 30 hours per week for 12 weeks (360 total hours) at $ 12 per hour. Start and end dates are negotiable, beginning on or around June 3, 2013. Additional hours may be available, depending upon funding. Schedule is generally flexible with necessary scheduled meetings with community stakeholders, including potential for evening meetings. UW-Extension recognizes the importance and value of work/life balance and benefits of flexible scheduling and respects other work/life commitments.

LOCATION & LOGISTICS

UW-Extension Walworth County office is located at 100 W. Walworth Street in Elkhorn. Intern may work with supervisor/mentor to design flexible schedule including remote working, depending upon the project
element. Site visits will be required, and shared transportation with supervisor/mentor will be worked out to the greatest degree practicable. 

To apply, please electronically submit a resume, cover letter, completed OSER application form, and contact information for at least three references we may contact regarding your qualifications by March 22, 2013 to:  Joshua Clements, Walworth County UW Extension, 100 W Walworth Street, PO BOX 1001, Elkhorn WI 53121  joshua.clements@ces.uwex.edu“>joshua.clements@ces.uwex.edu (262) 741-4968.

Applicants are highly encouraged to contact UW Extension with any questions regarding this position.

NOTES:

• OSER Application Form requires signature- you may either scan and email completed signed application form with your application, or email application package and mail completed signed OSER application separately. Application form is available at:http://oser.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=7506
• Applicants will be notified electronically upon successful receipt of completed application.
• Criminal background checks will be required of successful applicant prior to employment.
• UW Extension Intern Orientation workshop and luncheon will be held June 13th from 8:30am – Noon in Madison.