Wilmington Strong Fund Intern

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Cornerstone West CDC is a non-profit organization based in Wilmington, DE. Cornerstone West CDC’s mission is to create affordable housing and promote the revitalization of Wilmington’s West Side, a unique and historic neighborhood made up of a collection of four small but cohesive communities at the doorstep of downtown. A testament to Wilmington’s diversity, the West Side is home to some of the most economically, racially, and socially diverse communities in the state. Cornerstone facilitated the development of a West Side Revitalization Plan in 2012 and is leading implementation efforts in the areas of economic development, housing, and community engagement. For more information, see our website: www.westsidegrows.org or find us on Facebook: West Side Grows (Wilmington, DE).

WILMINGTON STRONG FUND BACKGROUND

In order to support small businesses citywide during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wilmington Strong Small Business Fund offers $1,000 grants to small businesses located in the City of Wilmington. These funds can be used to cover specific expenses such as rent payments, mortgage payments, utilities, and supplier bills. The Wilmington Strong Fund is led by a partnership between Cornerstone West and the Wilmington Alliance, with leadership from the many local economic development partners. This fund first began as an initiative on the West Side with the support of Capital One and has now expanded to serve small businesses throughout the City of Wilmington. To date, the Wilmington Strong Small Business Fund has distributed a total of $117,000 in $1000 micro-grants to local businesses. Read more about the fund at wilmingtonstrongfund.com.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The staff person in this position will work across disciplines to improve the quality of life for West Side business owners, residents, and community leaders through economic development, while supporting the activities of the Wilmington Strong Fund. The Wilmington Strong Fund Intern will work closely with the Economic Development Manager and a variety of stakeholders to implement and evaluate core programs in the fund focus areas of economic development. The Wilmington Strong Fund Intern reports to Cornerstone’s Economic Development Manager and is a part-time, exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Outreach to Potential Applicants​ - conduct and manage extensive outreach to small businesses in Wilmington remotely via mailers, direct phone calls, and social media in order to increase our applications to the funds.
• Scheduling -​ Schedule Review team meetings on a biweekly basis, ensuring all members are in attendance by emailing and conducting phone call reminders.
• Support Accounting -​ Stay in contact with accounting department to make sure grants are processed in a timely manner and inform Project Manager when checks are ready for pick up.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of marketing, social media, and community organizing.
• Experience working with low to moderate income communities and businesses of color.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus, not a requirement.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills particularly via phone and email. Must be responsive on a daily basis.
• Ability to work remotely and independently.

COMPENSATION AND CONDITIONS

• Stipend is $10-12 per hour.
• Time commitment is 15-20 hours per week for the duration of the spring semester or as needed.
• A satisfactory criminal background check, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are
• required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
• Must have own means of transportation.
• Must have access to stable internet and phone.
• Must have the capacity to work remotely.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, in order to attend community meetings and events.

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES

We consider the health and well-being of our customers and staff to be of the utmost importance. Cornerstone West CDC operates out of West End Neighborhood House, which is considered an essential organization and has remained open to the public during the pandemic. Cornerstone West CDC staff operates primarily from home, and is required to be in the office on an occasional, as-needed basis. West End Neighborhood House follows all CDC guidelines, and requires any exposed staff and customer who was within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more must quarantine for 14 days per Department of Health guidelines. Additionally, all staff are required to have their temperature taken upon entry, wear a mask at all times in the building, as well as use hand sanitizer regularly. Full coronavirus mitigation plan may be found at westendnh.org.

TO APPLY

For consideration for this internship, please email your resume and cover letter to Gabrielle Lantieri at glantieri@westsidegrows.org.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. EOE/M/F/D/V

Cornerstone West CDC | 710 N. Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 | westsidegrows.org