Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) and Community Engagement Externship

DESCRIPTION: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is currently seeking a 2024 DEIA and Community Engagement Extern. The extern will be integral in helping implement strategic initiatives and projects that foster a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive community at Phipps. The conservatory is a beautiful, healthy environment where they will gain real-world experience in the realm of regenerative DEIA implementation within a nonprofit organization.

Phipps hosts floral exhibits, programs, and outreach efforts aligned with its mission to educate all its stakeholders through the beauty and importance of plants. We also advocate for sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research as we celebrate our historic glasshouse. 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently a sophomore, junior, or senior college student or a graduate student
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, environmental science, human resources, leadership or any other social science.

SAMPLE OF RESPONSIBILITES:

• The DEIA and Community Engagement extern will gain first-hand experience working within a department dedicated to addressing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within a nonprofit botanical garden. During this experience, the Phipps extern will participate in the following:
• Assist with the development of DEIA goals that address all aspects of the organization. 
• Assist with creating metrics for measuring DEIA initiatives.
• Assist with executing regenerative DEIA reflection sessions for staff.
• Assist with brainstorming inclusive programming that compliments seasonal flower shows.
• Assist with building engagement surveys to assess staff sense of belonging.
• Participate in programs and activities within the community as part of building relationships with diverse communities.
• Participate in sessions on regenerative leadership development.

• Assist with developing a multicultural Employee Resource Group (ERG)
• Meet other leaders of DEIA within the region. 
• Research best practices in DEIA for nonprofit organizations.
• Other assignments as necessary

OTHER INFORMATION:

• This is a paid externship with a flexible schedule but expected to work at least 20 hours a week over a six-week period. 
• If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to dei@phipps.conservatory.org by June 15, 2024.