Blue Economy Intern, Current Chicago

 BLUE ECONOMY INTERN 

Overview: 

Current, Chicago’s water innovation hub, is leading the charge to create a globally significant inclusive blue economy here in Illinois. The Blue Economy Intern will provide essential support to deliver and implement Current’s inclusive blue economy strategy by developing and executing a suite of programs aimed at creating opportunity and growth in Illinois. These programs include workforce development, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and corporate water stewardship/ESG. As a member of a small team, this intern will also support Current staff in delivering major programs, pilots, and events focused on accelerating innovation and solving environmental challenges. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Work with Current's Program Builder to implement Current’s inclusive blue economy strategy, including activities like research, program development, partner management and more. 

• Support Current in broadly sharing the inclusive blue economy report through writing, events, social media, and other outlets. 

• Participate in convenings with regional partners to map out and develop workforce pathways and training programs for blue jobs. 

• Conduct research on corporate water stewardship and ESG to help Current create an industry leadership table and improve corporate engagement. 

• Work with consultants and educational partners to design and implement high-quality water and STEM focused curricula and develop methods to measure educational impact. 

• Monitor news publications, social media, and partner newsletters for new and collaborative opportunities. 

• Assist team with other tasks as needed, including event production, note taking, water sampling and more. 

Qualifications 

• Actively enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program focusing on economic development, urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or other related areas of study 

• 1-2 years of experience working in a public or nonprofit setting desirable

• Effective and enthusiastic communicator – strong writing and verbal communication skills required 

• Meticulous time management and organizational skills – ability to self-manage projects, deadlines, calendars, and files 

• Background knowledge in water and environmental issues a plus 

• Ability to attend occasional in-person events 

• Must be able to work remotely AND in person in our Chicago office

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite 

If you are interested in this role, please submit a cover letter and resume to kparikh@currentwater.org.

Who are we? 

• Current is a catalyst for better, cleaner water. Our mission is to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. 

• Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Current collaborates with corporations, universities, nonprofits and governments to develop solutions that would be too risky or even impossible to undertake alone. The need for our work is greater than ever because water is no longer just an issue; it’s a crisis. 

• Current is more than a connector. We test new technologies and ideas. We’re an unbiased advocate for the best water solutions and policies. We stay on top of the latest in water technologies, knowing the field is rapidly changing. We independently assess these technologies. We recommend the best solutions for others to try or for us to pilot. 

• We are also heavily invested in working to keep water in focus for our state and local policy communities and making the blue economy a pillar of our economic recovery.

• Learn more at www.currentwater.org. 

Why work with us? 

• Directly contribute to improving and protecting water in our region.

• Be part of a collaborative, diverse, creative, and high-energy environment.

• Build your network through participation at local events and meetings, and communications with national/international partners. 

• We’re a small team – your work will have a measurable impact on our organization and will be a great resume-builder. 

Who are we looking for? 

• Professionals who are passionate about water, equity, innovative tech solutions, and solving environmental challenges. 

• Someone who wants to contribute to creating a blue economy where opportunities are available to those who need them most 

• A purpose-driven individual who cares about sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and advancing impactful initiatives in the greater Chicago region. 

• Someone who loves to learn – Current’s work sits at the intersection of environment and economic development and requires a curious individual who is not afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. 

• Someone who is agile in a work setting, a creative problem solver, always looking for a challenge, and can work without constant supervision. 

• Someone who values diversity in colleagues and community and contributes to a positive learning environment. 

Time and compensation  

This role is part-time with most hours occurring during the business day (9am-5pm M-F). Occasional after-hours work may be requested with plenty of notice. The pay for this role is $16-26 per hour, depending on education level and experience.