Are you passionate about fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion? Have you developed or have experience in implementing strategic initiatives and programs that leverage DEI best practices? Are you looking to collaborate with leaders across the organization to imbed DEI into business strategy and objectives? If your answer is yes, this role as the Equity & Engagement Intern may be the perfect opportunity for you!

The City of Auburn Office of Equity department is looking for a Equity & Engagement Intern to join our team. This is a small but passionate team of two that you can be a part of by growing, creating and grounding racial equity work with the City. The City of Auburn values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices. The Office of Equity works with and across City Departments, and with community partners to help reduce and ultimately eliminate disparities experienced by our community.

The Office of Equity Department Goals: 

• Achieve and retain a diverse, talented workforce and leadership that reflects & represents the community we serve (in partnership with HR). 
• Create and maintain equitable, accessible and inclusive programs and services.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming and psychologically safe workplace.
• Foster a culturally competent organization and community 
• Open communication that is intentionally engaged respectfully and effectively with the community.  

As an Equity & Engagement Intern, you will work with colleagues who are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable workforce and workplace. You will have the opportunity to build transferable skills, knowledge, and capabilities that will enable you to succeed in any organization. During the internship, you will seek real challenges, cultivate your curiosity, enjoy both personal and team accomplishments and have your work acknowledged along the way. 

Your primary duties in this role will include:

• Assisting with monthly employee resource group meetings. 
• Assisting with planning and preparing for Citywide events including Community Day, Juneteenth, and Pride.  
• Conducting internal and external research. 
• Assess existing services and offerings while proposing new ideas. 
• Attending DEI committee and all-staff meetings.
• Reviewing forms and documents to ensure inclusive language.
• Analyzing and recommending enhancements for maintaining and improving DEI page on City of Auburn intranet page. 
• Gather and input demographic data as needed.
• Assist in creative ideas for leveraging DEI initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To be eligible for this internship opportunity, you must be:

• Pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in diversity studies, social justice, human resources, psychology, race & ethnic studies, organizational development, policy or a related field; or have obtained one in the last 12 months. 
• Enrolled in, or have successfully completed, adversity studies, social justice, human resources, psychology, race & ethnic studies, organizational development, or policy college course.

• Be a strong writer.
• Be analytical.
• Pay close attention to detail.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively interact with team members and leaders with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disability status to promote trust collaboration and partnership.
• Establish and maintain credibility, have a voice and share that voice to inspire and influence change. 
• Have a highly effective intercultural communication skills and ability to address issues of diversity.

We are asking for a commitment through our 10-week program, from June 16th - August 22nd. Preference will be given to candidates that are available to work up to 40 hours per week throughout the program. If you are a top candidate, your availability and assigned schedule will be discussed with you before moving into the background check process. 

Our core business hours are Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm, with an hour for lunch. We are physically in the office every day, and you will have an assigned desk with a City issued computer! This position is not eligible for remote work, so you must be able to commit to being onsite to be considered for this role.

This summer launches our 3rd year of a formal internship program: Next Step, Auburn. You can learn more about what this means for you as an intern here!

The pay rates for this position will be offered as follows:

Freshman & Sophomores: Step 1 - $19.42

Juniors & Seniors: Step 2 - $20.95

Postgraduates: Step 3 - $22.48