Intern, Microfinance Program to Support Individual & Family Sustainability
If you think you have what it takes but don't necessarily meet every single point listed below, please apply - you could be exactly who we are looking for!
Position Summary
The Pole Creek fund is interested in exploring ways in which we can partner with community organizations to provide microloans in the Pacific Northwest. Although we don’t yet have a program concept or strategy, we are interested in exploring a small grant, gift or loan program that might make something on the order of $10,000 available to individuals or families perhaps funding on the order of 10 such grants a year over a two-year pilot phase.
We are currently at the very early stages of due diligence and seeking a GPS summer intern to join us for a 10-week internship that will incorporate conducting research and outreach to key organizations to inform program feasibility and design to advance this initiative.
See below for additional scope of work information.
This is a nonexempt position and is available on a fully remote basis within the United States.
Problem Statement
A low-wage job barely pays the bills and leaves no safety net for emergencies, no ability to save for a different future or invest in life changes. Dreams, small and large, are out of reach.
Rent payments increase and the startup costs of moving into housing can be prohibitive. Being able to afford a home that works for your family is increasingly difficult. More income is needed, but to make that happen you need childcare, which is expensive.
A medical problem, a car problem or loss of a job can be catalyst for life to spiral out of control. Bills pile up, caregiving responsibilities prohibit outside work, the inability to commute means an inability to work. The longer the situation persists, the harder it is to catch up, to get back to where you were.
Not having access to even small amounts of investment capital to start a business, purchase a car and gain training limit future opportunities.
These scenarios are all too common in the United States. Available community and government resources are stretched thin and often unavailable. When resources are available, meeting the qualifications for such resources is difficult due to immigrant status or a myriad of other factors. For many, a small helping hand is all they need to invest in a better future, maintain stable housing or get back on their feet.
Sponsoring Organizations, Partners and Background Information
This work is being sponsored by the Pole Creek Fund, a new philanthropic fund based in the Pacific Northwest created by Steve and Lori Buchsbaum, former IRPS student and IPRS adjunct faculty respectively. The Pole Creek Fund is a philanthropic fund focused on science, technology and sustainability and a better world in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pole Creek Fund is partnered with , a social impact organization that empowers changemakers through radical collaboration. Panorama was created as a platform for social change to make meaningful progress on a range of issues affecting people and our planet. Our goal is to maximize social impact by partnering with visionary leaders to codevelop solutions with audacious thinking and bold action. (https://www.panoramaglobal.org)
Panorama is a platform for social change dedicated to solving the world’s most intractable problems. Our goal is to maximize social impact by partnering with visionary leaders, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to codevelop solutions with audacious thinking, radical collaboration, and bold action. Panorama’s value proposition is helping partners to operate in smarter, more impactful, and more efficient ways.
The Panorama Group(www.thepanoramagroup.com) is a community of organizations that includes:
Panorama Global, a social impact nonprofit that empowers changemakers through radical collaboration...learn more at www.panoramaglobal.org
Panorama Strategy, a social purpose consultancy that accelerates progress for clients through audacious thinking...learn more at www.panoramastrategy.com
Panorama Action, which mobilizes voices and resources through bold action.
Internship / Research Project Scope of Work
The culmination of this project will be the development of a preliminary proposal for a microfinance program in the Pacific Northwest, informed by research and informational interviews from existing programs. Workstreams include:
Research
A literature and web-based review of existing microfinance programs in the United States and their impact on the communities in which they operate.
Communication with these programs, where possible, to learn more about their design, implementation challenges and best practices.
A literature and web-based review of microfinance models in the United States and other countries. Have they been implemented? What was the result?
A literature and web-based review of organizations in the Pacific Northwest that could be potential partners for the Pole Creek Fund in this work. What would make them good partners?
Knowledge Management
Programmatic Support
An initial, in-person kick-off meeting with Panorama Staff and the PCR Fund sponsors in Seattle and a final in-person meeting to present results.
Weekly meetings (either in-person or on Zoom) with Panorama Staff and PCR Fund sponsors to discuss progress and collaboratively move the project forward.
Goals and learning objectives of this internship will be developed in collaboration with the intern supervisor.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications
Currently enrolled in GPS Graduate degree program in good standing and other invited applicants
Strong interest in microfinance and innovative approaches to improve people’s lives.
Some understanding of the challenges presented in the above problem statement and the impact they have on people’s lives.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and assignments simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong proficiency using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Eagerness to learn through hands-on application of project/program management best-practices
Travel Requirements
At the preference of the candidate, either relocating to Seattle with a relocation stipend or two sponsored trips to Seattle, a first trip to launch the project and meet with Panorama staff and funders, and a second trip to close the project at the end.
Additional travel may be required, as agreed to with sponsors, in support of research efforts. For example, it may be useful and helpful to visit some existing microfinance programs and/or potential partner organizations.
Compensation
This Internship/Research project is a 10-week, full-time, paid assignment that takes place over the course of the summer. Internships will be offered as limited-term employment with Panorama Global and compensated at $1000 per week. Either two trips will be sponsored to Seattle or alternatively, if the applicant prefers, they can elect to relocate to Seattle and will be partially supported with a $2,000 relocation payment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our Careers Page Portal at panoramaglobal.applytojob.com/apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will stay open until filled.
Panorama is committed to creating a diverse team and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We know that representation matters in the workplace and with our partners; to that end we are committed to a hiring process grounded in equity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, caste, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, political ideology, the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory disability, age, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Panorama complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People & Culture team at
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Panorama participates in the federal E-Verify system.
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And review the Right to Work posters for more information at:
Final offer will be contingent on the completion of a successful background check.
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