Who We Are
Ryse Local Ventures (RYSE) is an economic justice consulting firm focused on accelerating the impact and growth of community-focused
organizations and governments. We add sustainable capacity and support around impact/performance evaluation, market research,
program/product design, and strategic planning; we also add executive level interim support in the operations and finance functions. Our
goal is to bring equitable business acumen to the forefront for our clients and the communities that they serve.
RYSE clients are entities that value economic and social justice. They are nonprofit organizations, economic development departments,
community development financial institutions (CDFIs), corporate social responsibility (CSR) offices and foundations, and state and federal
government agencies. We assist clients with elevating community voices, broadening client connections and networks, and raising capital.
We seek to support organizations advocating on behalf of Black and Brown communities, rural communities, low-asset communities, and
other vulnerable populations.
What We Value
• Customer-centered process.
• Honest and fair approach.
• Equity-focused outlook.
• Results-driven outcomes.
• Sustainable solutions orientation.
Who We Are Seeking
• Effective at following directions and executing tasks, as assigned.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Intellectually curious.
• Exceptional communicator.
• Familiarity with remote work and tools (e.g. Google Drive, Zoom).
• Passionate about at least one the following key areas/industries:
o Community and/or Economic Development, including
▪ Education inequities
▪ Food/Health disparities
▪ Housing affordability
▪ Income/Wealth gaps
▪ Workforce/Job security
o Government, Public Policy, or Public Service
o Humanities
o Non-traditional Banking and/or Finance
o Racial and/or Social Justice
We are looking for summer interns to support the following 2023 project priorities:
1. Underserved Communities' Access to Capital
o Support research related to capital access in the United States.
o Understand federal and state legislation related to access to capital.
o Present findings around the challenges posed by limited capital access, particularly for Black and Brown communities, rural communities, low-asset communities, and other vulnerable populations.
2. Climate Resilience
o Support research related to climate resilience in the United States.
o Understand federal and state legislation related to climate resilience.
o Present findings around the challenges posed by limited climate resilience, particularly for Black and Brown communities, rural communities, low-asset communities, and other vulnerable populations.
3. Community Voice/Storytelling
o Support research around elevating ‘unheard’ voices and narratives, particularly for Black and Brown communities, rural communities, and other vulnerable populations.
o Assist with the advancement and articulation of the RYSE value proposition (e.g. what is the RYSE way, what makes RYSE unique)
o Update RYSE marketing materials as needed.
4. Marketing & Communications
• Support research related to effective marketing and communication for RYSE’s core audiences and markets.
• Assist with the development and initial implementation of a 12-month marketing and communication management strategy, utilizing the website (not yet live), social media, and cold calls.
• Survey prospective clients, industry leaders, and other stakeholders as needed.
The RYSE Summer Internship Experience
• Report directly to the Founder and Principal.
• Regular intern cohort check-ins with the Founder and Principal.
• Work closely with the intern cohort.
• Ongoing networking and career development opportunities.
• Flexible work modality for the summer (e.g., in-person, virtual, and hybrid).
• 10-week paid internship.
Interested candidates should submit a PDF version of their cover letter and resume to hello@ryselocal.com. The email subject line should
state “2023 RYSE Summer Internship.” Cover letters should include the candidate’s:
1. Interest in RYSE and/or community and economic development;
2. Passion to work in one of the key areas/industries outlined;
3. Interest in at least one of the 2023 summer priorities;
4. Relevant academic coursework, life experience, and/or work experience.
Questions about any of the RYSE internships should be submitted via email to hello@ryselocal.com.
Candidates will be invited for initial interviews on a rolling basis. Final internship decisions will be made by April 15, 2023.