Neighborhood Services Intern - Old Town Merchants and Residents Association

Who: The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is a 501(c)(6) community organization that functions simultaneously as a chamber of commerce and residential association in the Old Town neighborhood. Notable events organized by the Association include the Wells Street Art Festival, Live Well Week, A Night Out in Old Town and regular social events. OTMRA is recognized as a delegate agency of the City of Chicago and Sole Service Provider of SSA #48. The OTMRA is also the manager of all projects run by the Old Town Neighborhood Foundation.

What: The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is offering an internship for summer 2019. This position will come with a $1,040 stipend paid out monthly for the four-month period starting in early June 2019 and ending on September 2019. Interns will be asked to commit to a regular, mutually agreed upon schedule, for 20 hours a week for four months.

The Neighborhood Services Intern reports directly to the Executive Director and provides staff support for community enhancement projects and services on behalf of the OTMRA, SSA #48 Old Town, and the Old Town Neighborhood Foundation.
Responsibilities include:

• Special Service Area (SSA) and Community Enhancement 
• Assists the Executive Director in facilitating public SSA Commission meetings. 
• Implements community enhancement programs and services at the direction of the Executive Director. 
• Works with Executive Director to implement SSA public way improvements. 
• Coordinates contractors for neighborhood services (i.e. landscaping, litter removal, holiday décor, etc.). 
• Assists in the implementation of all other community enhancement projects as directed by the Executive Director. 
• Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) 
• Assists small businesses and Old Town residents with service requests and consultations. 
• Assists the Marketing and Membership Coordinator with business networking events and professional development workshops. 
• Manages a small business resource guide for all businesses. 
• Manages a vacant property database and prepares regular reports with that and other commercial market data. 
• Community and Government Relations 
• Attend community meetings, report findings and share information, as directed by the Executive Director. 
• Attend City of Chicago meetings, seminars, and informational sessions, as directed by the Executive Director. 
• Administrative 
• Produces monthly reports outlining progress for Executive Director and OTMRA Board of Directors. 
• Attend all OTMRA Board meetings and take minutes for Board meetings. 
• Attend all SSA Commission meetings and take minutes. 
• Staff any committees as directed by the Executive Director. 
• Basic clerical duties including phones, filing, mail delivery, office supplies, etc. 
• Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. 
• These duties may be altered from time to time, according to the needs of the organization 

Qualifications:

• Students studying public policy, urban planning, geography, or similar fields are encouraged to apply 
• Outstanding written and personal communication skills, with great attention to detail 
• Energetic team player who encompasses a friendly, helpful demeanor 
• Must be organized and an excellent multi-tasker 
• Excellent reporting, writing and editing skills 
• Ability to work independently and multi-task 
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite 
• Have a genuine interest in community improvement and development 

To Apply: Please submit the following materials to otmra@oldtownchicago.org by April 26, 2019 at 5pm:

• Current resume 
• Cover letter 
• One Writing Sample