Economic Recovery Corps Fellowship - HI

Please apply by April 21st to be considered.

Overview

The Economic Recovery Corps Fellowship provides experienced, impact-driven professionals an opportunity to address critical challenges in under-resourced communities throughout the country to advance new ways of doing economic development that promotes transformative change and leads to a more just, equitable, and sustainable economy for all. This position offers a chance to step into a dynamic role as the fellowship enters an exciting new phase. The selected candidate will build on the progress of the past 14 months, contributing to ongoing projects while forging new opportunities to drive systemic change.

You might be a good fit if…

• You are looking to do something impactful, substantive, and transformative while growing as a professional.
• You get excited about the idea of joining and building a nation-wide network of innovators to change the system and create new ways of doing economic development where no one gets left behind.
• You seek opportunities that allow you to develop new knowledge and practices that can shape the next generation of economic development practitioners and community-builders.
• You seek to work with and engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to build effective coalitions.
• You’re known for being somewhat of a disruptor or change agent within your network — as well as a connector – bringing the right people together to get things done.

Role

• Project Focus: Develop and implement the Startup Business Support (SBS) program, designed to promote economic equity and resilience in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.
• Target Communities: Support underrepresented entrepreneurs, including immigrant populations and individuals with limited English proficiency or from economically vulnerable backgrounds.
• Key Objectives:
• Train a diverse workforce for sustainable, high-quality jobs.
• Foster the growth of small businesses in non-tourism sectors.
• Create and sustain equitable job opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
• Core Activities:
• Build relationships with local stakeholders, including financial institutions, educational organizations, and community leaders.
• Design and launch a pilot program to support entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and access to networks.
• Establish data collection and evaluation systems to measure program outcomes and refine strategies.
• Expected Outcomes:
• A sustainable, diversified economy with reduced reliance on tourism.
• Increased entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Strong partnerships with local organizations to support long-term program success.
• A comprehensive sustainability plan to secure ongoing funding and expand the program’s impact.

Ideal ERC fellows will have a bachelor’s or associate degree, a minimum of five years of professional experience in a manager-level role, an entrepreneurial mindset, be able to learn on the fly, think and communicate across multiple disciplines, and be natural ecosystem-builders / connectors. While these qualifications give us a good sense of an applicant’s preparation, we will also consider other types of work, volunteer, or education experiences that are equivalent to these minimum requirements.

You must have existing U.S. work authorization for the entirety of the program without any need for visa sponsorship.

The following characteristics and skillsets are easy descriptors of who you are:

• Collaborative
• Service-oriented
• Ethical
• Curious
• Persuasive
• Creative problem-solver
• Resilient
• Tech-savvy
• Strategic
• Adaptable
• Empathetic
• Culturally competent
• Compassionate
• Facilitator
• Networker / Relationship Builder
• Disruptor / Change Agent

Underscoring all these characteristics is a genuine desire to contribute to the greater good.

Fellowship Features

High-Impact Field Experience

• The fellowship began 14 months ago and continues for an additional 16 months, with the opportunity to join the program as we move into an exciting new phase.
• $7,500 stipend per month (through October 2026)
• Upon full completion of the program a $10,000 post-fellowship readjustment stipend
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced community and economic development leaders
• Action research capstone project in partnership with your host organization

Leadership and Professional Development

• Access to professional development opportunities, including a stipend of up to $27,500 for travel expenses, annual in-person training retreats, and access to up to two conferences per year hosted by IEDC or one of the ERC partners
• An opportunity to pursue certification to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and/or Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), for those who are interested in classes and sitting for the exam(s)

Expanded Network

• Monthly Community of Practice engagements with a sub-cohort of peers led by one of the six ERC partners.

• Quarterly virtual peer learning and network exchanges with the entire Fellow cohort.
• Access to ERC Partners’ nationwide network of industry leaders, more than 23,000 partner organizations, and ongoing support, collaboration, and professional opportunities through IEDC’s 4,500+ member network.

Fellowship details:

• ERC fellows are independent contractor professionals and will be required to sign an independent contractor agreement with the International Economic Development Council before beginning the fellowship. ERC fellows must meet all requirements for independent contractor status under federal and state laws applicable to their work location in order to be eligible for this fellowship.
• Disbursement of the annual and post-fellowship stipends are contingent upon fulfillment of contractual requirements and completion of the ERC program.
• This description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the requirements and features of this fellowship opportunity, which may change without notice.