Economic Development and Advocacy Intern
7 days ago
Saint Louis
Job Description Join Us Today! Join the Brickline North Community Development Corporation (BNCDC) in collaboration with the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation (GRGF). This exciting partnership focused on promoting inclusive economic growth in the Brickline Greenway area. This is a fantastic chance to be part of a project that focuses on improving infrastructure, supporting community development and ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities. Together, we are working to enhance neighborhoods and empower the residents of North St. Louis for a brighter future. What We Offer: • Hands-on, real-world experience by engaging in impactful projects that enhance parks and trails throughout the St. Louis area, while also promoting equitable economic development strategies linked to significant regional infrastructure investments., • Mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals in areas such as planning, project management, economic development, and community engagement., • Direct exposure to community development tools, including community land trusts, small business stabilization, and corridor revitalization., • A paid, structured internship experience with flexible scheduling aligned with academic commitments., • Hybrid work environment with time spent in the office, field and community settings., • Eligibility to be reimbursed for business use of your personal vehicle at the current Federal business mileage rate published by the IRS., • A great office location at the St. Louis Foundry in mid-town., • Enjoy company-provided apparel and branded swag as part of your employee experience. Position Summary: Brickline North Community Development Corporation (BNCDC) in collaboration with Great Rivers Greenway Foundation (GRGF) is looking for a motivated Economic Development & Advocacy Intern to support the implementation of equitable economic development strategies along the Brickline North corridor. Under the guidance of the Director of Equity + Economic Impact, this active multi-disciplinary role will be embedded in community-based initiatives focused on small business support, community wealth-building, neighborhood planning and strategic site development. The position blends economic development, planning and community engagement functions, providing a comprehensive, real-world community development experience. • Internship Term: Summer 2026 (June – August), • Schedule: 20–30 hours per week (flexible; includes potential evenings/weekends for community meetings), • Compensation: Starting pay is $17.50 per hour, with the opportunity for a higher rate based on relevant experience, qualifications, and education., • Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older Essential Job Functions: • Conduct economic, demographic and market research to inform corridor and neighborhood development strategies., • Support neighborhood planning efforts, including data collection, zoning/code review and participation in development discussions., • Create and maintain datasets and reports, including business inventories, property conditions, and development activity tracking., • Support implementation of small business stabilization and support programs impacted by infrastructure construction., • Assist with development and operational planning for a Community Land Trust (CLT), including research, policy review and program design., • Contribute to site control and asset management strategies for key opportunity sites., • Contribute to communications and content development (presentations, reports and potentially digital/media content)., • Support community engagement efforts by attending neighborhood meetings, community events, and partner convenings. This includes documenting outcomes, assisting with outreach and special events., • Provide general administrative and project support as needed. Job Outcomes: • Application of equitable economic development strategies in a real-world, place-based context., • Fundamentals of community land trusts and shared equity development models., • Small business support strategies during infrastructure construction and neighborhood transition., • Public-private partnership dynamics and community-based development practices., • Data-driven decision-making in economic development. Required Qualifications: • Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration or a related field., • Preferably completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework., • Ideal classes include Development Economics, Urban Economics, and Public Policy., • Demonstrates basic understanding and interest in economic development, community development, or public sector work., • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)., • Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks., • Excellent communication, analytical, research, and writing skills., • Able to work independently and collaboratively., • Valid driver’s license, active automobile insurance and a good driving record required. Physical Requirements & Work Environment: • Hybrid role including office, remote, and field-based work., • Ability to travel locally within the project area for meetings, site visits and community engagement activities., • Ability to transport a GRG-provided bicycle or willingness to utilize one’s own bicycle if utilizing a bicycle is needed for a work task., • Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind and rain., • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch and climb for prolonged periods while performing field inspections, site coordination, and operational tasks., • Ability to visually inspect sites, equipment and work areas, including reading maps, plans and digital screens., • Flexibility in attending occasional evening and weekend (including Saturday morning) community meetings and events. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Brickline North Community Development Corporation (BNCDC) and the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation (GRGF) are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Company DescriptionWe are a public agency, created by a vote of the people in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in the year 2000 to create a sales tax dedicated to this mission. Those funds allow us to collaborate with partners and communities to build, care for and bring to life your network of greenways, creating healthy habitats and watersheds along the way. It’s an honor to deliver on the community’s vision for a vibrant, connected region. 140 miles of greenways and counting! Find one here: are a public agency, created by a vote of the people in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in the year 2000 to create a sales tax dedicated to this mission. Those funds allow us to collaborate with partners and communities to build, care for and bring to life your network of greenways, creating healthy habitats and watersheds along the way. It’s an honor to deliver on the community’s vision for a vibrant, connected region. 140 miles of greenways and counting! Find one here: