Microenterprise Program Associate-Commonwealth Corps.

Opportunity Communities•Salem, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commonwealth Corps service internship program aims to engage Massachusetts residents in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) oversees the program and supports host site partners and members. This role, with the North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC), is a 10-month, full-time service internship. NSCDC's mission is to invest in neighborhoods to create thriving communities, focusing on improving the quality of life in predominantly low-income or distressed neighborhoods on the North Shore. The Commonwealth Corps member will support the Small Business Program, assisting Essex County small business owners and entrepreneurs, primarily low-income BIPOC individuals, to stabilize and grow their businesses. Additionally, the member will support volunteer recruitment and data collection for the Community Building Department.

Requirements

A Massachusetts resident with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
18 years of age at minimum.
Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences.
Committed to 10 months of service and able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments sustainably.
Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships internally and externally.
Respect for the ideas and experience of those from marginalized communities.
Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Docs.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual speaking both English and Spanish.
Experience with running a small business or the willingness to learn key business operations.
Experience in working with volunteers.
Experience with data management.

Responsibilities

Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, serving August 17, 2026 through June 19, 2027.
Attend Commonwealth Corps trainings and events held by MSA, generally 1-2 times per month.
Participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of MSA-related activities each week (timesheets, reflections, check-ins, etc.).
Monthly event planning and support: create meeting agendas, organize tasks, take notes, advertise events, provide day-of support, and track resident participation.
Marketing support: design flyers, create social media content, provide marketing literacy coaching, and develop brand kits and digital literacy materials.
Program services outreach: conduct neighborhood walks to post flyers and speak with residents, participate in community events, post on social media, draft monthly newsletters, and document program services through pictures and stories.
Maintain a caseload of local small business owners to support and coach with business operations (marketing, financial management, IT solutions, etc.).
Assess current data collection methods for the Small Business department, collaborate with staff to define data needs, support data collection, and create materials highlighting program impact.
Build and manage the volunteer base for the Small Business department: identify best practices for volunteer management and recruitment, assess volunteer needs with staff, refine volunteer application, publicize volunteer needs, and define recruitment, intake, enrollment, and engagement processes.
Assist with coordination of special projects, events, and activities as required.
Attend weekly meetings as required by supervisor.
Assist staff on daily tasks to ensure premium service and smooth program functioning.
Participate in the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including cross-site learning groups, newsletter contributions, online platform engagement, and optional social/service events.
Collaborate with and support the efforts of other Commonwealth Corps Members at the NSCDC.

Benefits

Stipend of $1,250 semi-monthly while in service, up to $26,250, minus taxes and withholdings.
Health insurance (individual coverage only).
Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions.
Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings.
Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and goals (Up to $100; Dependent on pre-approval from MSA).
Ongoing training and support from MSA and NSCDC including professional development workshops and opportunities.
Limited travel reimbursement from MSA to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities.
Limited travel reimbursement from NSCDC for certain service-related travel away from your usual service location.
10 Mental Health/Personal Days (1 day = 8hrs) counting toward service hours.
The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays, does not count towards hours requirement).