Downtown Resource Center Intern

Downtown Resource Center Intern Print ( Apply ufeff Downtown Resource Center Intern Salary $20.00 Hourly Location Des Moines - 50315 - Polk County, IA Job Type Internship Job Number 26-01727 Agency 269 Iowa Economic Development Authority Opening Date 01/21/2026 Closing Date 2/8/2026 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-POST Point of Contact Bethany Coop () To Apply Submit an application and resume at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date. Job Description Help make Iowau2019s downtowns stronger. TheIowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), an agency with the State of Iowa, partners with communities and organizations statewide to grow businesses, strengthen main streets, and enhance quality of life. Within IEDA, theIowa Downtown Resource Center equips local leaders with practical toolsu2014like on-site assessments, workshops, and ready-to-use resourcesu2014to revitalize traditional commercial districts and create vibrant, accessible places that attract residents, visitors, and investment. About Us The Iowa Economic Development Authority is dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and business by building partnerships, leveraging resources, and strengthening economic and community vitality. IEDA administers several state and federal programs focused on business and community development to reach its goals of assisting individuals, communities, and businesses. Whether it is an enterprise or start up, a rural community seeking to preserve its history and highlight its arts and culture, or a community recovering from a disaster, IEDA creates opportunities for Iowans to thrive. About the Internship This paid, full-time summer internship is designed for a detail-oriented, curious problem solver who enjoys writing, research, and community-focused work. Youu2019ll contribute to real projects that local leaders use immediatelyu2014 an ideal experience for students in marketing/communications, urban planning, public administration, economics, or entry-level economic development. What Youu2019ll Do + Join a 3-day Downtown Assessment visit and coordinate the writing of the final report (approximately 40 pages), translating field observations into clear recommendations; may include developing the on-site PowerPoint presentation. + Refresh the template used for Downtown Walk Around (assessment) visits to improve clarity, usability, and visual consistency. + Develop 10 case studies spotlighting successful Main Street Challenge Grant and Community Catalyst projects to help promote and educate communities about these programs. + Plan logistics for one quarterly Main Street Executive Director Workshop and one Main Street Orientation Day (agenda, materials, communications). + Review Main Street Iowa community materials; create marketing pieces to encourage participation; develop user-friendly checklist for communities to use during application process. + Organize and tag the teamu2019s photo library so images are searchable and ready for reports, presentations, and outreach. What Youu2019ll Gain + A portfolio of work (assessment report, case studies, updated templates). + Hands-on experience working with community stakeholders, grant-funded project storytelling, and event logistics. + Exposure to Iowau2019s Main Street network and community development best practices. + Mentorship and collaboration with experienced downtown development professionals. Ideal candidates: + Are comfortable with conducting research and synthesizing information. + Skilled in writing and/or graphic design to develop long and short form content. + Are curious about community planning, historic commercial districts, and local economic development. + Are dedicated to uphold our core values: Accountability in Action- We take pride in our work and results. Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners. Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do. The Downtown Resource Center Intern is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Administrative Intern and is non-exempt per FLSA regulations. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Work laws, which protect employeesu2019 rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit This is a non-merit, internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the

Created: 2026-01-23