Executive Director Intern Remote, Social Impact

Executive Director Intern Make the Difference Credit Union Transformational Leadership Opportunity POSITION OVERVIEW Title: Executive Director Intern Duration: 12 months (with potential for full-time Executive Director role) Start Date: [To be determined based on candidate availability] Location: 100% remote with quarterly in-person strategic sessions Compensation Structure: Post-Internship: Top candidate for Full-time Executive Director role at competitive market rate 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. THE OPPORTUNITY This Executive Director Internship represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build and lead a groundbreaking financial institution from the ground up. As the selected intern, you will work directly with Founder and Board Chair Art Fuller and the Board of Directors to transform the vision of purpose-driven financial services into operational reality. Why This Role Matters: First-of-its-Kind Institution: Help create the world's first credit union exclusively focused on connecting people to their purpose Systems Change Impact: Build financial infrastructure that serves the most underserved communities Leadership Development: Gain executive-level experience while contributing to social justice and community empowerment Career Acceleration: Direct pathway to Executive Director role in a mission-driven organization KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Phase 1: Evaluation and Mission Alignment (Days 1-45) Mutual Assessment Period: Participate in comprehensive orientation and immersion experience Engage in deep mission alignment discussions with Founder and Board members Complete intensive assessment of organizational fit and leadership readiness Demonstrate commitment to serving underserved communities through hands-on projects Undergo evaluation of communication style, problem-solving approach, and cultural competency Key Activities During Evaluation Period: Shadow Board meetings and strategic planning sessions Conduct community listening sessions with potential members Complete foundational research on credit union regulations and social impact finance Participate in cultural competency and trauma-informed care training Demonstrate understanding of cooperative principles and member-owned institutions Evaluation Criteria: Authentic alignment with mission of connecting people to their purpose Demonstrated commitment to serving the most underserved communities Leadership potential and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders Understanding of social justice principles and systemic change approaches Capacity for collaborative decision-making and community-centered leadership Mutual Decision Point (Day 45): Both the intern and the organization will evaluate the match and decide whether to proceed with the stipend-supported internship phase. Phase 2: Foundation Building and Strategic Development (Months 2-3) Strategic Planning and Development: Collaborate with Board of Directors to refine operational strategy and implementation plans Lead development of comprehensive policies and procedures manual Design organizational structure and hiring plans for key staff positions Create member onboarding and engagement strategies that center social justice principles Regulatory and Compliance Leadership: Work closely with legal counsel and regulatory consultants on charter application process Develop compliance monitoring systems and procedures Ensure all operations align with credit union regulations and social justice values Prepare materials for regulatory examinations and approval processes Phase 3: Community Engagement and Member Development (Months 4-6) Community Organizing and Outreach: Lead founding member recruitment campaign targeting underserved communities Build relationships with social justice organizations, community groups, and advocacy networks Develop culturally competent outreach strategies for diverse communities Create educational programming that connects financial literacy with social justice advocacy Partnership Development: Establish strategic partnerships with organizations serving marginalized communities Build relationships with impact investors and mission-aligned funding sources Develop collaboration agreements with social entrepreneurship support organizations Create referral networks with mental health and community wellness providers Phase 3: Operational Implementation (Months 7-9) Systems and Technology Leadership: Oversee implementation of core banking technology and member service platforms Design user-friendly systems that accommodate diverse technological literacy levels Ensure accessibility and language access across all technological interfaces Develop digital security protocols that protect member privacy and data Staff Recruitment and Training: Lead recruitment process for key staff positions with emphasis on diversity and community connection Design comprehensive training programs that integrate social justice principles with financial services Create performance evaluation systems that measure both operational effectiveness and mission alignment Establish staff development pathways that prioritize advancement from within served communities Phase 4: Launch Preparation and Leadership Transition (Months 10-12) Pre-Launch Operations: Oversee soft launch with founding members and initial service delivery Lead quality assurance processes and system testing Manage grand opening planning and community celebration events Prepare comprehensive annual operating plan and budget for Year Two Executive Transition Preparation: Complete executive leadership assessment and development planning Participate in Board evaluation process for permanent Executive Director role Present comprehensive organizational development plan for long-term growth Demonstrate readiness for full executive responsibility and community leadership 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 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, and risk management Knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and compliance requirements Experience with financial product development and member services 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 effectively with underserved and marginalized communities Understanding of systemic oppression and structural barriers to financial access Experience developing culturally competent programs and services Entrepreneurship and Business Development (Required): Experience supporting or developing social enterprises or purpose-driven businesses Understanding of business planning, financial modeling, and sustainable venture development Knowledge of funding strategies for mission-driven organizations Experience with impact measurement and social return on investment Leadership and Management Experience: Minimum 2 years in supervisory or project management roles Experience leading diverse teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives Demonstrated ability to build consensus and navigate competing priorities Track record of successful program development and implementation ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Technical Skills: Financial Analysis and Management: Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting Understanding of credit analysis, loan portfolio management, and risk assessment Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements Experience with banking technology systems and digital financial services Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of credit union regulations, NCUA requirements, and state banking laws Knowledge of fair lending practices, consumer protection regulations, and anti-discrimination laws Experience with audit processes, examination preparation, and regulatory reporting Familiarity with cooperative governance principles and member-owned institution management Leadership and Communication Skills: Community Engagement and Organizing: Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across diverse communities Fluency in multiple languages preferred (Spanish, other languages relevant to served communities) Cultural competency and understanding of trauma-informed approaches Experience facilitating community meetings, workshops, and educational programming Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to think systemically about complex social and economic challenges Creative problem-solving skills and innovation in approach to traditional banking services Strategic planning experience and ability to translate vision into actionable plans Data analysis skills and experience with program evaluation and impact measurement PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VALUES Mission Alignment (Essential): Purpose-Driven: Deep personal commitment to connecting people to their life purpose and supporting authentic self-expression Justice-Oriented: Unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and dismantling systemic oppression Service-Focused: Genuine dedication to serving the most underserved communities with humility and respect Community-Centered: Understanding that true leadership emerges from and remains accountable to community Leadership Qualities: Collaborative: Ability to build consensus and work effectively with diverse stakeholders Resilient: Capacity to navigate challenges and setbacks while maintaining optimism and momentum Adaptive: Flexibility and openness to learning, feedback, and changing approaches based on community needs Authentic: Genuine, transparent, and trustworthy in all interactions and decision-making Professional Attributes: Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence in all work Results-Driven: Focus on achieving measurable outcomes and sustainable impact Ethical: Highest standards of integrity and ethical decision-making Growth-Minded: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE Financial Compensation: Phase 1 (Days 1-45): Evaluation Period No monetary compensation during mutual assessment phase Opportunity to demonstrate commitment and assess organizational fit All training materials, resources, and mentorship provided at no cost Phase 2-3 (Months 2-6): Initial Stipend Period Monthly Stipend: $1,000-$1,500 (based on performance evaluation and available funding) Performance Reviews: Monthly assessments with potential for stipend increases Founding Member Investment: $75 founding member contribution (as part of 10,000+ member initiative) Phase 4 (Months 7-12): Advanced Stipend Period Monthly Stipend: $2,000-$2,500 (based on performance evaluation and available funding) Quarterly Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses for achievement of key milestones Leadership Development: Enhanced responsibilities and executive-level decision-making authority Post-Internship: Full-Time Executive Director Role Market-Rate Compensation: Competitive salary based on available market rates at time of transition Comprehensive Benefits: Full benefits package including health insurance, retirement planning, and professional development Benefits and Perquisites: During Stipend Periods (Months 2-12): Professional Development Support: Access to relevant conferences, training, and educational opportunities Technology Support: Basic equipment and software access for remote work Mentorship and Coaching: Direct access to Board members and experienced social enterprise leaders Flexible Schedule: Accommodating personal circumstances while meeting organizational needs Upon Transition to Full-Time Role: Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage Retirement Planning: 403(b) retirement plan with organizational matching Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO policy with minimum 4 weeks encouraged Technology Stipend: $2,000 for laptop, equipment, and home office setup Transportation: Travel expenses for quarterly in-person meetings and community events Professional Development Opportunities: Executive Coaching: One-on-one coaching with experienced social enterprise leaders (begins Month 2) Board Mentorship: Direct mentorship from Board of Directors members throughout entire internship Conference Attendance: Support for attendance at credit union and social justice conferences (based on available funding) Peer Network Access: Connection to national network of social impact leaders and purpose-driven financial institutions Career Advancement: Executive Director Pathway: Structured evaluation process for transition to permanent Executive Director role Leadership Development: Comprehensive 12-month leadership development program tailored to individual growth areas Industry Recognition: Opportunities for speaking, writing, and thought leadership in purpose-driven finance Long-term Growth: Potential for advancement to CEO or other executive roles as organization grows to serve 10,000+ members Movement Leadership: Position as a pioneer in the purpose-driven financial services movement APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Required Application Materials: Comprehensive Resume/CV: Detailed professional and educational background (maximum 3 pages) Personal Purpose Statement (1,000 words): Address the following: Your personal purpose and how it aligns with Make the Difference Credit Union's mission Specific experiences working with underserved communities and advancing social justice Vision for how financial services can be transformed to serve community empowerment Why you are called to lead this particular initiative at this moment Social Justice Leadership Essay (750 words): Describe a specific example of your leadership in social justice work, including: The challenge or injustice you addressed Your approach and strategies employed Outcomes achieved and lessons learned How this experience prepared you for executive leadership in financial services Financial Services Experience Portfolio: Documentation of your banking, finance, or credit union experience, including: Specific roles and responsibilities Projects led or major contributions made Understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance Experience with loan products, member services, or financial analysis Community Impact References: Contact information for three references: One from financial services or banking experience One from social justice or community organizing work One from leadership or management experience Executive Readiness Assessment: Complete a brief assessment (provided upon initial application review) evaluating: Leadership style and approach Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities Understanding of credit union operations and regulations Vision for organizational development and community impact Application Process: Step 1: Initial Application Submission Submit all required materials to: Step 2: Application Review and Screening Applications reviewed by Board of Apply tot his job