Intern, Food Retail and Agriculture, Urbane Development

Posted by on April 27, 2009

Intern Job Description – Food Retail and Agriculture

AGENCY DESCRIPTION:

Urbane Development is a community and economic development firm, located in Philadelphia, PA, working with urban communities to strengthen their asset base – businesses, real estate, and human capital – to catalyze a truly comprehensive and sustainable revitalization process.  Urbane engages clients through three core service components: retail attraction and retention program design for municipalities and other economic development entities; small business operational technical assistance, and sustainable design and development of commercial and mixed-use real estate.  Urbane’s client base includes municipalities, economic development agencies, financial institutions, real estate developers, and small businesses throughout the US.

INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Urbane Development management team, the intern will participate in research and project development for grocery/food retail strategies and small-scale commercial urban agriculture ventures in target areas in Philadelphia.  The intern will also be responsible for assisting with research for development/fundraising for projects in target area:

Ø      Develop case studies for current projects grocery/food retail projects

Ø      Research model urban agriculture programs

Ø      Assist in developing urban agriculture strategy

Ø      Research and compile various food industry resources (food retail, produce, dairy, et al)

Ø      Research RMA standards for various industries

Ø      Research on municipal, state, and federal economic development programs and incentives

Ø      Research on municipal, state, and federal green/sustainable programs and incentives

Ø      Research federal stimulus opportunities relevant to target area initiatives

Ø      Research foundation resources relevant to target area initiatives

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate work experience.  Recent graduate or Master’s candidate with relevant coursework or focus of study preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Ø      Strong web and archive research skills

Ø      Fluency with Microsoft Office programs

Ø      Ability to prepare written reports based on data analysis, including tables and graphs

Ø      Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to communicate with diverse populations

Ø      Well organized with attention to detail

Ø      Ability to meet deadlines

Ø      Professional demeanor

EXPERIENCE OR SPECIAL SKILLS DESIRED:

Ø      Experience with grocery/food retail industry, agricultural, or other food-based industry or enterprise a plus

Ø      Experience with green/sustainable building, systems, materials, or policy advocacy

Ø      Familiarity with public and private community agencies in Philadelphia

Ø      Experience with fundraising or organizational development

SCHEDULE: Minimum of 10 weeks beginning May or June 2008.  Flexible Schedule 10-15 hours per week, some tasks may be able to be performed remotely.  Please advise if available beyond 10 week period.

COMPENSATION: $10-12/hr

CONTACT: Please contact Urbane Development at info@urbane-dev.com with a resume and cover letter.