External Affairs Intern

Brief Description

Impact

Supports the effective execution of all Ponce De Leon Foundation activities by ensuring efficient operations, strong grant administration practices, and adherence to established governance standards. This role contributes to advancing the Foundation’s mission, strengthening community impact, and enhancing the Bank’s reputation across the communities it serves.

Responsibilities

Provides day to day operational support for the Ponce De Leon Foundation, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of grantmaking and related activities. Partners closely with the Executive Director and Grants Coordinator across all aspects of Foundation operations, including grant administration, documentation, communications, reporting, and stakeholder coordination

Essential Functions

• Serve as Grants Specialist for the Ponce De Leon Foundation, supporting the full lifecycle of the grantmaking process from application intake through award and follow up.
• Provide administrative and operational support across all Foundational activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient execution.
• Maintain and update the Foundation website, RFP materials, program documentation, and training resources for grant reviewers.
• Maintain accurate and organized Foundation and grantee records, including contact lists, inquiries, and grantmaking documentation, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Serve as a point of coordination for grantees and external partners, responding to inquiries and providing guidance on application and reporting requirements.
• Review applications and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance with Foundation requirements and guidelines.
• Process and track grant disbursements, while monitoring key grant cycle milestones, reporting requirements, and Board governance deadlines.
• Prepare grant summaries, reports, and analytical materials, including tracking of grant outcomes and program impact, to support Executive Director and Board decision making.
• Prepare Board and Sub Committee materials, including the Grants Matrix, and draft meeting minutes.
• Support the preparation of the Annual Report, press materials, and Foundation events, while identifying opportunities to enhance processes and ensure adherence to policies and governance standards.
  
  

Ancillary Functions

• Ensure ongoing adherence to Bank policies and procedures, as well as applicable federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Provide cross-functional support to other departments within the Bank when service needs or workload demands arise.
• Perform additional supportive tasks related to the essential functions of the role, which may be adjusted or redesigned based on operational needs or individual circumstances.
  
  

Mandatory Training Curricula

Training is required of all Bank staff as related to regulatory mandated compliance topics and courses required for specific job functions. Career enhancement training courses are also available. Please refer to course catalog and management for details.

Competencies (refer to Competencies Library)

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with solid reading, writing, grammar, and basic math abilities.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow direction, incorporate feedback, and align daily work with team objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and general computer systems.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment and manage shifting priorities with a high degree of professionalism.
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical and related demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job is mostly sedentary in nature, but may occasionally involve lifting files and other materials that weigh up to 20 lbs. Employees in this job must be able to work in an office environment during regular business hours where they come into regular and frequent contact with internal and external customers and other members of the public. Therefore, employees in this position are expected to have consistently positive interactions with the public.

Requirements

Education/Training

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Finance, or a related field.

Experience

Prior internship, volunteer experience, or academic project work related to nonprofit organizations, community engagement, business operations, or administration is a plus. Experience working with data, spreadsheets, or documentation management preferred. Exposure to grant writing, research, or program coordination through coursework or extracurricular activities is a plus.

Salary Range

$32,760 - $36,400

Your work powers purpose—and service makes it possible.

Behind the scenes, our back-office professionals are the driving force of our mission. Through service in operations, lending, compliance, marketing, or IT, your expertise fuels innovation and ensures we deliver on our promise of community-first banking.

Join a team where your role isn’t just essential—it’s transformative, making a direct impact on the people and communities we proudly serve.

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