2023-2024 Fellow
Developing diverse, innovative, community-minded leaders and doers through intellectual giving.
The Challenge Detroit Fellowship program is a year-long opportunity for diverse, innovative, community-minded individuals to grow their careers, strengthen their leadership skills, build relationships, and gain experience in multiple areas of impact while contributing to Detroit’s vibrant communities through intellectual giving.
Diversity and inclusion are a cornerstone of Challenge Detroit. We strive to create and support a culture where people can be themselves and feel included while including others. We value a diverse representation of individuals from near and far, across races and ethnicities, gender identity, orientation, skills, experience and abilities. Diversity of thought and perspective are essential to our work.
FELLOW EXPERIENCE:
Monday-Thursday: Fellows gain valuable career skills through employment at one of our host companies—from large corporations to small businesses, nonprofits and public-serving organizations, and everything in between. To see a list of host companies we have partnered with, click here.
Every Friday: Fellows engage in the program by working together and collaborating with local nonprofits on innovative, community-focused challenges designed to move their missions forward. Fellows also engage in leadership development sessions designed to develop each Fellow’s skills and are introduced to local leaders from various industries.
As a Challenge Detroit Fellow, you will:
- develop valuable leadership, project management and team-building skills through a multi-faceted leadership development program;
- gain knowledge and experience in various areas of impact in an accelerated time frame;
- grow your career at your host company and learn about different sectors and industries;
- learn and leverage the art of design thinking and community development best practices;
- collaborate with multiple Detroit-based nonprofits on strategic, intellectually-based, community-focused projects to support them in moving their missions forward;
- acquire a better understanding of the city by learning about the history of Detroit, how it has impacted the region, and about various neighborhoods in the city;
- cultivate meaningful relationships with your cohort and the broader Challenge Detroit community;
- connect with mentors and gain access to local leaders who have an interest in your success;
- join the network of over 300 alumni Fellows who continue to engage and support the program as well as contribute in their communities;
- commit one year to the program—September 2023 through August 2024; and
- earn a $43,000 annual salary plus benefits typical of your host company.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Candidates who:
- represent a diverse range of race, ethnicity, gender identity, orientation, thought, experience, perspective and ability;
- are passionate, dedicated, proactive, hard-working, innovative, adaptable and have a growth mindset; and
- are authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
Education & Experience:
- Must have a bachelor's degree or higher by start of program in September 2023
Schedule Availability:
- Monday-Thursday: Must be able to work at host company (typically 9am-5pm but may vary by host company)
- Fridays 9am-5pm: Must be available for Challenge Detroit programming
- Possible evenings/weekends for Challenge Detroit cultural activities
Language: All programming is conducted in English. Must be able to read and communicate in written and spoken English. Candidates who are able to read and communicate in more than one language are welcome!
Physical Demands:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting, standing) for extended periods of time. Fellows sit, stand and sometimes walk for long periods during programming.
- Ability to move self into different positions as needed to maneuver between, over, under, around, and/or beside furniture or other physical barriers.
- Have dexterity required for manipulating objects and standard office supplies and equipment. This position requires Fellows to utilize laptops to create deliverables, and occasionally write, sketch/draw.
- Have the ability to receive and exchange accurate information in both written and spoken English. This position requires Fellows to conduct verbal interviews that are recorded and then processed in written or typed format and discussed.
- Have the ability to lift/maneuver up to 20 pounds occasionally.
Mental Demands: Must be able to learn new concepts, retain new information, maintain focus, problem solve, and handle multiple tasks that are intellectually demanding and challenging.
Work Conditions: Activities can occur in-person (indoors and outdoors) and virtually; must be able to work both independently and on a team.
Location & Travel: Must be in the Metro-Detroit area and able to commute to the City of Detroit regularly. Able to travel to and from a variety of locations across the City and greater Detroit area.
Technology: Have access to a laptop with wifi and video conferencing capabilities, and is compatible for use with Google products. Be willing to learn new collaborative tools. Have consistent access to internet service.