Field Placement for UChicago Graduate Students

The Graduate Intern will play a pivotal role in supporting the development and launch of the Mentorship, Ethical Leadership, Philanthropy & Social Impact Flagship program (MLPI) at Seldon. This placement offers an invaluable opportunity for students in the fields of social service, community development, religious studies, and chaplaincy to engage with a dynamic community initiative that leverages the expertise of the Hyde Park community, including University of Chicago faculty, alumni, and local leaders.

I. Key Responsibilities:

  • Program Design and Development:

    • Design and implement strategies that enhance the MLPI model.

    • Develop comprehensive surveys aimed at assessing the needs and expectations of participants in the mentorship program, enabling a tailored approach that ensures optimal fit between mentors and mentees.

  • Partnership Building:

    • Engage with other leadership programs and community organizations to establish partnerships that bolster the MLPI initiative.

    • Identify and connect with potential collaborators to promote cross-program synergies and enhance the impact of the flagship mentorship program.

  • Training and Workshop Facilitation:

    • Assist in the coordination and facilitation of ethical leadership and social impact training workshops, ensuring they align with the core values and educational goals of the program.

    • Help develop content for workshops that emphasizes moral courage, effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, and conflict navigation.

  • Philanthropy and Community Engagement:

    • Contribute to the Foundations of Philanthropy component by supporting training sessions focused on Islamic principles of giving, ethical fundraising, and project sustainability.

    • Encourage students to engage in hands-on experiences with community project design and implementation.

  • Evaluation and Feedback:

    • Compile and analyze feedback from surveys and workshops to assess program efficacy and identify areas for improvement.

    • Prepare reports that summarize findings and offer recommendations based on quantitative and qualitative data.

II. Learning Outcomes:

This field placement will equip the intern with essential skills in program development, community engagement, and ethical leadership. The intern will gain firsthand experience in designing effective surveys, facilitating partnerships, and contributing to a project rooted in social impact and community enrichment. They will also have the opportunity to cultivate their understanding of philanthropy and its significance within the context of Islamic ethics.

III. Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in the Crown or Divinity School at the University of Chicago.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to engage diverse stakeholders

  • Interest in mentorship, ethical leadership, and social impact initiatives

  • Experience or coursework related to community engagement and program evaluation is preferred

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Dina Rehab, Founding Director and Student Advisor: dina@seldoninstitute.org