Community Research and Impact Intern - United Way of Greater Charlotte

United Way of Greater Charlotte is committed to having a workforce that reflects our entire community. United Way opposes racism and oppression in all its forms and believes the nonprofit work environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with ideas come together to achieve common goals. United Way understands that diverse representation and perspectives are vital to our success.

United Way is seeking a Community Research & Impact Intern to join United Way's Community Impact team. The Community Research & Impact Intern will work independently and as a member of a team to plan and execute research and evaluation projects.

The ideal candidate will be a student in good academic standing with an enthusiasm for learning, strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills and a sincere interest in learning about cross-collaborative place-based investments. Candidates should be a rising undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited school during the 2024-2025 school year and available to work 40 hours beginning May through August 2024.

Accountability and Responsibilities

• Conduct data collection activities through canvassing, surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups within the community
• Assist in the design and implementation of data collection tools and methodologies (e.g., canvassing, mailers, reminders, etc.)
• Enter collected data into databases and ensure accuracy and completeness of data sets
• Perform data cleaning, coding, and preliminary analysis to support research efforts
• Collaborate with team members to analyze data, identify trends, and draw actionable insights
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and visualizations to communicate findings and recommendations
• Provide technical and administrative support for research and evaluation team including preparing meeting materials including agendas and presentations; review and edit documents
• Works closely with representatives from the neighborhoods, nonprofit sector, and local government to ensure that all voices and perspectives are incorporated into the execution of evaluation efforts

Equity & Inclusion

• Constantly learning & actively participating in programs, trainings, and discussions regarding racial inequities, exclusions, oppressions
• Appreciation of and willingness to work with and advocate for people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Consistently seeks to learn and understand the specific experiences of historically marginalized racial groups in the U.S., particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latin-x groups

Education/Experience Requirements

• Currently enrolled in post-secondary program in fields of psychology, geography, community development, economic development, public administration, public policy, real estate, urban planning, economics, or high school degree and equivalent work/study/civic experience through employment, badges or certifications
• Comfortable conducting public engagement activities, public speaking and providing good customer service
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, managing frequent changes, delays, and/or unexpected events

Workplace values

• Take action and go! Be bold and not afraid of a little competition or thinking outside the box even when opportunities seem unimaginable. Create a new path one-step at a time, you got this!

• A catalyst is a substance that ignites change in its environment. We strive to work within various ecosystems - corporate, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, etc. - to make the connections and spark the actions that will positively impact the lives of underserved members of our community today and for generations to come

• Sometimes things just need a shake-up. Whether internally or out in the community, we aren't afraid to be disruptive. Understanding that we may leave a few feathers ruffled along the way, if it is the right thing to do and benefits our community, we will take the chance!
• Inaction is the enemy of innovation. We are a perpetual work in progress, striving to be better, constantly learning and taking risk to be the best we can be. Learning from our mistakes and paving the way for continual betterment
• Teamwork makes the dream work. Bottom line, we need each other. Working together makes us all better individually and makes us awesome as a group. Understanding what others' strengths and weaknesses may be and using that knowledge to guide, support, and model our work makes for a successful and high performing team
• Recognizing and appreciating our differences only make us better. We all share in the responsibility to create a positive culture and to safeguard equity, inclusion, dignity, and respect for all. Each member of our team will be a role model for others