Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Job Title

mHUB 2023 Summer Graduate Internship: Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fellow

Job Location

Chicago, Illinois

Job Overview

mHUB is seeking a Graduate Fellow to support mHUB’s leadership team in defining and resourcing initiatives and programs to drive economic growth through hardtech entrepreneurship and manufacturing. The fellow will help mHUB develop a strategy and framework to respond effectively and efficiently to numerous funding and economic development opportunities. This includes assessing mHUB’s capacity and role in coalition-led regional economic development strategies, identifying and responding to relevant funding opportunities, and developing an organization-wide framework for future coalition participation and funding opportunity applications. The fellow should have a lens of inclusive economic development as mHUB seeks to address systemic barriers in access to entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and wealth creation. Fellows will receive career and leadership coaching and the opportunity to network with Chicago’s corporate, civic, and nonprofit leaders across the tech ecosystem.

Compensation

A stipend of $1,000 per month will be provided. The internship will last a minimum of 11 weeks between May 2023 to the end of August 2023, depending on the applicant’s academic calendar year, with an opportunity for an extension beyond the summer.

Responsibilities

• Assess mHUB’s opportunities for federal and local grants and make recommendations for participating in coalition-based economic development strategies related to priority industry verticals (e.g. climate & energy, smart & sustainable manufacturing, and medical devices)
• Identify and develop a strategy for mHUB’s participation and response to upcoming grant opportunities through Chips & Science Act, IRA, Infrastructure Act, CEJA, etc.
• Develop an organization-wide framework for responding to public and private funding opportunities, including developing key assets, tracking mechanisms, and processes.
• Support collaboration key stakeholders across the tech and manufacturing ecosystem to develop strategies to make Chicago tech more inclusive and equitable for underrepresented founders.
• Make recommendations for how mHUB can strengthen its role as an ecosystem convener and driver of equitable economic development in manufacturing and tech.

Requirements

• Must be a current graduate program student focusing on areas of policy, economic development, or business administration.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and donors.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with high-level leaders to work towards outcomes, leading by consensus.
• Experience in grant writing or grant administration is a plus.
• Prior experience in a nonprofit or government environment is a plus.
• Prior experience with entrepreneurs or business support organizations is a plus.

We're excited for you to apply!