Community Engagement Intern

Internship Opportunity: The McKenzie Project, Inc.

Location: Miami-Dade/Broward Counties, FL (Hybrid/In-Person)
Organization: The McKenzie Project, Inc.
Position Type: Internship (Part-Time / Semester-Based)
Compensation: Academic Credit; Stipends available upon grant funding

Start Date: Rolling (Fall, Spring, Summer Cohorts Available)

About The McKenzie Project, Inc.

The McKenzie Project, Inc. is a Black trans-led nonprofit organization based in South Florida dedicated to advancing health equity, climate justice, and economic empowerment for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNCNB+) communities. Through direct services, advocacy, and innovative programming, the organization addresses systemic inequities related to housing instability, HIV, environmental injustice, and workforce access.

The organization operates the Joy & Liberation Cultural Arts Center, a community hub providing wraparound, trauma-informed services to high-impact youth and adults.

Internship Overview

The McKenzie Project seeks motivated and community-driven interns to support its multidisciplinary programs across public health, social services, climate justice, and community organizing. This internship provides hands-on experience in grassroots nonprofit operations and direct community engagement.

Interns will work alongside experienced staff and community leaders to support programming, outreach, and service delivery for historically underserved populations.

Key Responsibilities

Intern responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with case management support and client intake processes
• Support coordination of community programs, workshops, and events
• Participate in outreach efforts, including street outreach and community engagement
• Assist with harm reduction services (e.g., safer use education, supply distribution, HIV prevention resources)
• Support climate justice initiatives, including community response and environmental education
• Contribute to digital storytelling, media campaigns, and advocacy initiatives
• Conduct research, data entry, and assist with grant writing or reporting
• Provide administrative and operational support as needed

Learning Objectives

Interns will gain:

• Practical experience in nonprofit program implementation and service delivery
• Exposure to public health approaches, including harm reduction and HIV advocacy
• Understanding of housing justice, climate justice, and mutual aid models
• Skills in community outreach, engagement, and advocacy
• Experience in program evaluation, research, and data-informed decision-making
• Professional development through mentorship and leadership opportunities

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program (e.g., Social Work, Public Health, Sociology, Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, Communications, Political Science, or related fields)
• Strong interest in social justice, LGBTQ+ equity, and community-based work
• Ability to work in diverse, fast-paced, and community-centered environments
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Cultural competency and a commitment to working with marginalized communities

Lived experience and community connection are highly valued.

Schedule & Commitment

• Minimum commitment of 10–20 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling available, including evenings and weekends for events
• Internship duration aligned with academic semesters (12–16 weeks typical)

Application Process

Interested students should submit:

• Resume or CV
• Brief statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs)
• Academic program and internship requirements (if applicable)

Submit applications to: info@mckenzieproject.org

Equal Opportunity Statement

The McKenzie Project, Inc. is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all interns and staff. We strongly encourage applications from Black, LGBTQ+, TGNCNB+, immigrant, and system-impacted individuals.