PCEF Capacity Building and Community Grants Program Internship (Community Service Aide II)

Job Appointment: Casual (may not exceed 1,400 hours per calendar year)

Work Location: Vanport Building, 1810 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR

Union Representation: Non-Represented

About the role

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) team at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is seeking a Capacity Building and Grantmaking Program Intern (Community Service Aide II). This position provides hands-on experience in nonprofit capacity building, public-sector grantmaking, organizational development, and community-centered climate investments. The intern will contribute to meaningful projects while gaining exposure to program design, stakeholder engagement, research, evaluation, and public administrative practices.

Responsibilities

• Support PCEF’s Capacity Building and Grantmaking program with research, administrative, and coordination tasks for a new capacity-building program (Strategic Program 10) and improvements to PCEF’s community grant program.
• Administrative Support: Format documents to meet accessibility standards, prepare meeting materials, take detailed notes, schedule tasks, and support event or meeting planning, including community-based organization cohort activities.
• Research and Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data from surveys or other grant data collection, document processes, and ensure accessibility standards are met.
• Independent Project: Design and implement a project related to capacity building or grantmaking program goals, aligned with the intern’s academic or professional interests.
• Process Support and Improvement: Identify and implement program process improvements, support internal workflows, and maintain tracking information in systems to streamline grantmaking and capacity-building services.
• Team Participation: Engage in professional development opportunities, including meetings with PCEF staff, grantmaking teams, community partners, service providers, and nonprofit leaders to deepen understanding of capacity building, climate action, and public-sector funding systems.

Requirements

• Ability to support small research assignments, including online research, data gathering, simple data analysis, and summarizing information.
• Ability to organize and track multiple projects, tasks, and information.
• Ability to work in a team environment and manage time to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan and manage events in virtual and in-person environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, values, and professional responsibilities, and/or experience working in a multicultural setting.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university; OR have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree within the last 6 months; OR have at least two years of experience in public administration or nonprofit administration.
• Preferred: Experience working with, or a personal connection to, groups or neighborhoods historically underserved in climate or energy programs.

About PCEF

As a first-in-the-nation community-led climate fund, PCEF’s mission is to build resilience and quality jobs while fighting climate change and advancing social, economic, and environmental justice. For more information, visit the PCEF website.

About the Bureau

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) leads land use planning, climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban design. BPS centers racial equity in its work and is dedicated to creating a more equitable, healthy, prosperous, and resilient Portland. The bureau oversees waste and recycling systems, advances energy efficiency and renewable energy, and develops policies to address climate change. BPS values diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization.

Although not required, fluency in more than one language is encouraged and may be noted in your resume.

Schedule

Approximately 25–30 hours per week.

Benefits

BPS offers an excellent benefits package, flexible work schedules, and support for training and skills development in a positive, engaging, and creative work environment.

Virtual Meet & Greet

Join the hiring manager and senior recruiter for an informational session about the role, duties, and application process.

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM Pacific
Registration: Zoom link