Executive Director Intern Remote, Social Impact

Executive Director Intern

Make the Difference Credit Union

Transformational Leadership Opportunity

POSITION OVERVIEW

Title: Executive Director Intern

Duration: 12 months (with potential for full-time Executive Director role)

Start Date: [To be determined based on candidate availability]

Location: 100% remote with quarterly in-person strategic sessions

Compensation Structure:

Post-Internship: Top candidate for Full-time Executive Director role at competitive market rate

Mission: Lead the operational development of Make the Difference Credit Union while gaining hands-on experience in purpose-driven financial services leadership, with the goal of transitioning to the permanent Executive Director role upon successful completion.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This Executive Director Internship represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build and lead a groundbreaking financial institution from the ground up. As the selected intern, you will work directly with Founder and Board Chair Art Fuller and the Board of Directors to transform the vision of purpose-driven financial services into operational reality.

Why This Role Matters:

First-of-its-Kind Institution: Help create the world's first credit union exclusively focused on connecting people to their purpose

Systems Change Impact: Build financial infrastructure that serves the most underserved communities

Leadership Development: Gain executive-level experience while contributing to social justice and community empowerment

Career Acceleration: Direct pathway to Executive Director role in a mission-driven organization

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Phase 1: Evaluation and Mission Alignment (Days 1-45)

Mutual Assessment Period:

Participate in comprehensive orientation and immersion experience

Engage in deep mission alignment discussions with Founder and Board members

Complete intensive assessment of organizational fit and leadership readiness

Demonstrate commitment to serving underserved communities through hands-on projects

Undergo evaluation of communication style, problem-solving approach, and cultural competency

Key Activities During Evaluation Period:

Shadow Board meetings and strategic planning sessions

Conduct community listening sessions with potential members

Complete foundational research on credit union regulations and social impact finance

Participate in cultural competency and trauma-informed care training

Demonstrate understanding of cooperative principles and member-owned institutions

Evaluation Criteria:

Authentic alignment with mission of connecting people to their purpose

Demonstrated commitment to serving the most underserved communities

Leadership potential and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders

Understanding of social justice principles and systemic change approaches

Capacity for collaborative decision-making and community-centered leadership

Mutual Decision Point (Day 45): Both the intern and the organization will evaluate the match and decide whether to proceed with the stipend-supported internship phase.

Phase 2: Foundation Building and Strategic Development (Months 2-3)

Strategic Planning and Development:

Collaborate with Board of Directors to refine operational strategy and implementation plans

Lead development of comprehensive policies and procedures manual

Design organizational structure and hiring plans for key staff positions

Create member onboarding and engagement strategies that center social justice principles

Regulatory and Compliance Leadership:

Work closely with legal counsel and regulatory consultants on charter application process

Develop compliance monitoring systems and procedures

Ensure all operations align with credit union regulations and social justice values

Prepare materials for regulatory examinations and approval processes

Phase 3: Community Engagement and Member Development (Months 4-6)

Community Organizing and Outreach:

Lead founding member recruitment campaign targeting underserved communities

Build relationships with social justice organizations, community groups, and advocacy networks

Develop culturally competent outreach strategies for diverse communities

Create educational programming that connects financial literacy with social justice advocacy

Partnership Development:

Establish strategic partnerships with organizations serving marginalized communities

Build relationships with impact investors and mission-aligned funding sources

Develop collaboration agreements with social entrepreneurship support organizations

Create referral networks with mental health and community wellness providers

Phase 3: Operational Implementation (Months 7-9)

Systems and Technology Leadership:

Oversee implementation of core banking technology and member service platforms

Design user-friendly systems that accommodate diverse technological literacy levels

Ensure accessibility and language access across all technological interfaces

Develop digital security protocols that protect member privacy and data

Staff Recruitment and Training:

Lead recruitment process for key staff positions with emphasis on diversity and community connection

Design comprehensive training programs that integrate social justice principles with financial services

Create performance evaluation systems that measure both operational effectiveness and mission alignment

Establish staff development pathways that prioritize advancement from within served communities

Phase 4: Launch Preparation and Leadership Transition (Months 10-12)

Pre-Launch Operations:

Oversee soft launch with founding members and initial service delivery

Lead quality assurance processes and system testing

Manage grand opening planning and community celebration events

Prepare comprehensive annual operating plan and budget for Year Two

Executive Transition Preparation:

Complete executive leadership assessment and development planning

Participate in Board evaluation process for permanent Executive Director role

Present comprehensive organizational development plan for long-term growth

Demonstrate readiness for full executive responsibility and community leadership

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Background:

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Business Administration, Finance, or related field

Preferred: Master's degree in Social Justice, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or MBA with social impact focus

Additional: Completion of coursework or certification in financial services, banking, or credit union operations

Professional Experience:

Banking and Financial Services (Required):

Minimum 3 years of experience in banking, credit unions, or community development finance

Understanding of loan underwriting, credit analysis, and risk management

Knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and compliance requirements

Experience with financial product development and member services

Social Justice and Community Organizing (Required):

Minimum 3 years of experience in social justice advocacy, community organizing, or grassroots movement building

Demonstrated track record of working effectively with underserved and marginalized communities

Understanding of systemic oppression and structural barriers to financial access

Experience developing culturally competent programs and services

Entrepreneurship and Business Development (Required):

Experience supporting or developing social enterprises or purpose-driven businesses

Understanding of business planning, financial modeling, and sustainable venture development

Knowledge of funding strategies for mission-driven organizations

Experience with impact measurement and social return on investment

Leadership and Management Experience:

Minimum 2 years in supervisory or project management roles

Experience leading diverse teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives

Demonstrated ability to build consensus and navigate competing priorities

Track record of successful program development and implementation

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills:

Financial Analysis and Management:

Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting

Understanding of credit analysis, loan portfolio management, and risk assessment

Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements

Experience with banking technology systems and digital financial services

Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge:

Understanding of credit union regulations, NCUA requirements, and state banking laws

Knowledge of fair lending practices, consumer protection regulations, and anti-discrimination laws

Experience with audit processes, examination preparation, and regulatory reporting

Familiarity with cooperative governance principles and member-owned institution management

Leadership and Communication Skills:

Community Engagement and Organizing:

Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust across diverse communities

Fluency in multiple languages preferred (Spanish, other languages relevant to served communities)

Cultural competency and understanding of trauma-informed approaches

Experience facilitating community meetings, workshops, and educational programming

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Ability to think systemically about complex social and economic challenges

Creative problem-solving skills and innovation in approach to traditional banking services

Strategic planning experience and ability to translate vision into actionable plans

Data analysis skills and experience with program evaluation and impact measurement

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VALUES

Mission Alignment (Essential):

Purpose-Driven: Deep personal commitment to connecting people to their life purpose and supporting authentic self-expression

Justice-Oriented: Unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and dismantling systemic oppression

Service-Focused: Genuine dedication to serving the most underserved communities with humility and respect

Community-Centered: Understanding that true leadership emerges from and remains accountable to community

Leadership Qualities:

Collaborative: Ability to build consensus and work effectively with diverse stakeholders

Resilient: Capacity to navigate challenges and setbacks while maintaining optimism and momentum

Adaptive: Flexibility and openness to learning, feedback, and changing approaches based on community needs

Authentic: Genuine, transparent, and trustworthy in all interactions and decision-making

Professional Attributes:

Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence in all work

Results-Driven: Focus on achieving measurable outcomes and sustainable impact

Ethical: Highest standards of integrity and ethical decision-making

Growth-Minded: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PACKAGE

Financial Compensation:

Phase 1 (Days 1-45): Evaluation Period

No monetary compensation during mutual assessment phase

Opportunity to demonstrate commitment and assess organizational fit

All training materials, resources, and mentorship provided at no cost

Phase 2-3 (Months 2-6): Initial Stipend Period

Monthly Stipend: $1,000-$1,500 (based on performance evaluation and available funding)

Performance Reviews: Monthly assessments with potential for stipend increases

Founding Member Investment: $75 founding member contribution (as part of 10,000+ member initiative)

Phase 4 (Months 7-12): Advanced Stipend Period

Monthly Stipend: $2,000-$2,500 (based on performance evaluation and available funding)

Quarterly Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses for achievement of key milestones

Leadership Development: Enhanced responsibilities and executive-level decision-making authority

Post-Internship: Full-Time Executive Director Role

Market-Rate Compensation: Competitive salary based on available market rates at time of transition

Comprehensive Benefits: Full benefits package including health insurance, retirement planning, and professional development

Benefits and Perquisites:

During Stipend Periods (Months 2-12):

Professional Development Support: Access to relevant conferences, training, and educational opportunities

Technology Support: Basic equipment and software access for remote work

Mentorship and Coaching: Direct access to Board members and experienced social enterprise leaders

Flexible Schedule: Accommodating personal circumstances while meeting organizational needs

Upon Transition to Full-Time Role:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement Planning: 403(b) retirement plan with organizational matching

Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO policy with minimum 4 weeks encouraged

Technology Stipend: $2,000 for laptop, equipment, and home office setup

Transportation: Travel expenses for quarterly in-person meetings and community events

Professional Development Opportunities:

Executive Coaching: One-on-one coaching with experienced social enterprise leaders (begins Month 2)

Board Mentorship: Direct mentorship from Board of Directors members throughout entire internship

Conference Attendance: Support for attendance at credit union and social justice conferences (based on available funding)

Peer Network Access: Connection to national network of social impact leaders and purpose-driven financial institutions

Career Advancement:

Executive Director Pathway: Structured evaluation process for transition to permanent Executive Director role

Leadership Development: Comprehensive 12-month leadership development program tailored to individual growth areas

Industry Recognition: Opportunities for speaking, writing, and thought leadership in purpose-driven finance

Long-term Growth: Potential for advancement to CEO or other executive roles as organization grows to serve 10,000+ members

Movement Leadership: Position as a pioneer in the purpose-driven financial services movement

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Required Application Materials:

Comprehensive Resume/CV: Detailed professional and educational background (maximum 3 pages)

Personal Purpose Statement (1,000 words): Address the following:

Your personal purpose and how it aligns with Make the Difference Credit Union's mission

Specific experiences working with underserved communities and advancing social justice

Vision for how financial services can be transformed to serve community empowerment

Why you are called to lead this particular initiative at this moment

Social Justice Leadership Essay (750 words): Describe a specific example of your leadership in social justice work, including:

The challenge or injustice you addressed

Your approach and strategies employed

Outcomes achieved and lessons learned

How this experience prepared you for executive leadership in financial services

Financial Services Experience Portfolio: Documentation of your banking, finance, or credit union experience, including:

Specific roles and responsibilities

Projects led or major contributions made

Understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance

Experience with loan products, member services, or financial analysis

Community Impact References: Contact information for three references:

One from financial services or banking experience

One from social justice or community organizing work

One from leadership or management experience

Executive Readiness Assessment: Complete a brief assessment (provided upon initial application review) evaluating:

Leadership style and approach

Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Understanding of credit union operations and regulations

Vision for organizational development and community impact

Application Process:

Step 1: Initial Application Submission Submit all required materials to:

Step 2: Application Review and Screening Applications reviewed by Board of