Grants Administrative Intern
This paid, part-time internship offers current college students and recent graduates an opportunity to learn about public sector grants and program administration. Based in the Prosperity Office, you will support both the Economic Opportunity and Tourism divisions while gaining direct experience with the grant programs that fund community events, arts, culture, and sustainability.
This role is ideal for anyone looking to build a career in government, nonprofit management, finance, or public administration. You will gain hands-on experience in everything from guiding applicants to handling back-end payment workflows, all while building a professional network with local community leaders and organizations.
What You’ll Do in This Role:
- Support grant programs that fund Durango’s local events, arts, tourism, and sustainability projects.
- Review applications, reimbursement requests, and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Assist with payment, requisition, and reimbursement processes while learning public sector financial procedures.
- Track deadlines, award status, and required documentation using spreadsheets and grant management tools.
- Maintain organized digital records that support compliance, transparency, and program success.
- Serve as a helpful point of contact for grant applicants, answering questions by email and guiding them through the process.
- Help design and improve user-friendly forms, templates, and guidance materials for future applicants.
- Support reporting, presentations, and special projects as needed.
- Learn how local government programs operate while contributing to projects that benefit the Durango community.
You Have:
- Current enrollment in a college or university program, or recent graduation from a degree program.
- Coursework in public administration, business, nonprofit management, finance, economics, communications, tourism, sustainability, or a related field.
You Will Succeed in This Role If You:
- Are comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, and other office software, or can quickly learn new systems and tools.
- Are organized, dependable, and can manage your time well between school and work.
- Love finding faster, smarter, and more user-friendly ways to get things done.
- Are curious about how local government funding supports community projects and services.
What We Can Offer You:
In addition to gaining hands-on experience with grants and program administration, you'll have opportunities to:
- Build practical skills in public sector operations, financial processes, customer service, and project coordination.
- Learn how public funding supports community programs and initiatives.
- Work with community organizations, event partners, local businesses, and other stakeholders.
- Expand your professional network and gain exposure to potential career paths in government and nonprofit work.
- Receive professional references or letters of recommendation based on performance.
- Pursue academic credit if approved by your college or university.
- Work a flexible schedule that can accommodate classes, exams, and other academic commitments.
The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees:
- Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area
- Free Transit pass
- Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards
Belong at the City of Durango:
We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.
The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.