Graduate Intern 2026-2027

About CPL

The Community Practice Lab (CPL) was founded in 2020 to enhance community well-being by fostering deep and sustainable community-university partnerships. The CPL is housed within the Department of Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The CPL catalyzes and expands community-driven, sustainable initiatives through creative scholarship, innovative program development, and committed partnerships. We create space for interdisciplinary students, practitioners, and organizations to critically dialogue, deploy analysis rooted in communities’ everyday experiences, leverage strengths-based assessment, and enact justice-oriented action. The CPL partners with local organizations and government agencies to leverage the expertise of the University while providing support for experiential and engaged student learning.

About OCAHC

The Orange County Affordable Housing Coalition (OCAHC) is an association of nonprofit housing developers, service providers, advocacy organizations, and local government partners working collaboratively to expand housing opportunities in Orange County, North Carolina. Established in 2013 by a small group of housing providers, OCAHC was created to focus on increasing housing affordability and strengthening communication among agencies and advocates. 

Today, the coalition includes more than 30 active members and continues to grow in response to rising housing needs in the community. OCAHC advocates for the creation and preservation of safe, dignified, affordable housing and works toward a future in which all people who wish to live and thrive in Orange County have access to stable housing. Grounded in values of equity, collaboration, and impactful change, the coalition centers those historically marginalized by systemic oppression and seeks tangible, community-driven solutions.

Position Overview

The CPL Graduate Intern plays a central coordinating role within OCAHC. This position blends administrative leadership, meeting facilitation, communications management, and strategic support. The intern works closely with the Coalition Co-Chairs to ensure smooth operations, maintain member engagement, and advance coalition priorities. The intern is also supported and engaged with the broader CPL team, discussing work with various interdisciplinary teammates.

Although part-time, this role is essential to sustaining the coalition’s momentum. The Graduate Intern helps translate ideas into action by tracking initiatives, supporting working groups, organizing communications, and maintaining institutional continuity across coalition activities. The position is well suited for a graduate student seeking meaningful, hands-on experience in affordable housing advocacy, housing policy, homelessness services, or nonprofit coalition work.

Key Responsibilities

Coalition Coordination

• Attend and support monthly OCAHC meetings (second Friday, 9:00–10:30 AM)

• Draft agendas in collaboration with Co-Chairs

• Take and distribute meeting notes

• Track action items and follow up as needed

• Manage Zoom logistics and troubleshoot technology

• Assist in planning the OCAHC Annual Kickoff in January

Communications & Membership

• Manage coalition communications through Google Groups

• Maintain up-to-date membership lists and contact records

• Organize and maintain shared files in Google Drive

• Draft and circulate coalition updates and announcements

Outreach & Public Presence

• Provide social media support (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X)

• Post about events, advocacy opportunities, and coalition updates

• Support promotion of coalition initiatives and community engagement

Collaboration

• Meet with Co-Chairs at least monthly

• Coordinate regularly with community partners, including UNC’s Community Practice Lab

• Participate in relevant gatherings to share updates about OCAHC’s work

• Meet with CPL lead monthly and CPL team each semester

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student (public policy, social work, planning, public administration, law, or related field preferred)

• Interest in affordable housing, housing justice, homelessness services, or housing policy

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently with a flexible schedule, including some weekend work or evening work for advocacy events

• Comfort using Google Workspace, Zoom, and social media platforms

Preferred:

• Experience in advocacy, coalition-building, or community organizing

• Experience facilitating or moderating meetings

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume HERE by Friday, May 22 at 5:00 PM. Reach out to Kristina Smith at kes89@unc.edu with any questions. 

Link for the cover letter and resume: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSQfLmcSD7Kxc0dP2tItjJrZs5_7GzMv2L0pMt4Xp5adbEbw/viewform?usp=publish-editor