Executive Director Intern for Social Justice

Job Description

About the company:

Make the Difference Credit Union is a groundbreaking financial institution focused on connecting people to their purpose, particularly after job loss. It aims to build financial infrastructure that serves underserved communities, contributing to social justice and community empowerment. The credit union is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing applications from individuals with disabilities and communities that are most underserved.

Job Description:

Job Title: Executive Director Intern
Duration: 12 months (with potential for full-time Executive Director role)
Location: 100% remote, 100% flexible

Mission: Lead the operational development of Make the Difference Credit Union while gaining hands-on experience in purpose-driven financial services leadership, with the goal of transitioning to the permanent Executive Director role upon successful completion.

Opportunity:

This internship offers the chance to build and lead a first-of-its-kind credit union focused on connecting people to their purpose. You will work with the Founder and Board of Directors to transform the vision of purpose-driven financial services into reality.

Key Responsibilities:

The internship is divided into four phases:

• Phase 1: Evaluation and Mission Alignment (Days 1-45): Mutual assessment period to determine fit and alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Phase 2: Foundation Building and Strategic Development (Months 2-3): Collaborate with the Board to refine strategy, develop policies and procedures, design organizational structure, and lead regulatory and compliance efforts.
• Phase 3: Community Engagement and Member Development (Months 4-6): Lead founding member recruitment, build relationships with social justice organizations, and develop culturally competent outreach strategies.
• Phase 4: Operational Implementation (Months 7-9): Oversee implementation of banking technology, lead staff recruitment and training, and develop performance evaluation systems.
• Phase 5: Launch Preparation and Leadership Transition (Months 10-12): Oversee soft launch, manage grand opening planning, prepare the annual operating plan, and prepare for the potential transition to Executive Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Social Justice, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or MBA with social impact focus.
• Additional: Completion of coursework or certification in financial services, banking, or credit union operations. This can also be completed as part of this 12 month incubation process.
• Professional Experience:
• Banking and Financial Services (Required): Minimum 3 years of experience in banking, credit unions, or community development finance; understanding of loan underwriting, credit analysis, risk management, regulations, and product development.
• Social Justice and Community Organizing (Required): Minimum 3 years of experience in social justice advocacy, community organizing, or grassroots movement building; demonstrated track record of working with underserved communities.
• Entrepreneurship and Business Development (Required): Experience supporting or developing social enterprises, understanding business planning, and funding strategies.
• Leadership and Management Experience: Minimum 2 years in supervisory or project management roles.

Essential Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Skills: Financial analysis and management, regulatory and compliance knowledge.
• Leadership and Communication Skills: Community engagement and organizing, strategic thinking and problem-solving.

Personal Characteristics and Values:

• Mission Alignment (Essential): Purpose-driven, justice-oriented, service-focused, community-centered.
• Leadership Qualities: Collaborative, resilient, adaptive, authentic.
• Professional Attributes: Detail-oriented, results-driven, ethical, growth-minded.

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• Phase 1 (Days 1-45): No monetary compensation.
• Phase 2-3 (Months 2-6): Monthly Stipend: $1,000-$1,500; $75 founding member contribution.
• Phase 4 (Months 7-12): Monthly Stipend: $2,000-$2,500; Performance-based bonuses.

During Stipend Periods: Professional development support, technology support, mentorship, and flexible schedule.

Upon Transition to Full-Time Role: Market-rate compensation, comprehensive benefits, health insurance, retirement planning, technology stipend, and travel expenses.

Professional Development Opportunities: Executive coaching, board mentorship, conference attendance, and peer network access.

Career Advancement: Executive Director pathway, leadership development, industry recognition, long-term growth potential.

Application Requirements:

1. Comprehensive Resume/CV
2. Personal Purpose Statement (500 words)
3. Social Justice Leadership Essay (500 words)
4. Financial Services Experience Portfolio (if applicable)
5. Community Impact References
6. Executive Readiness Assessment (provided upon initial application review)

Application Process:

Submit required materials to: info@voiceup.life

Timeline and Expectations:

• Priority Deadline: July 1st
• Final Deadline: August 1st
• Start Date: Flexible

Performance Expectations:
• 45-Day Milestone: Demonstrated mission alignment
• Regulatory Progress
• Community Engagement: Contribution to 10,000+ member recruitment goal through authentic community organizing
• Operational Readiness
• Financial Stewardship
• Social Impact
• Leadership Growth