Imagine Grinnell Apprenticeship 

The Organization

Imagine Grinnell is a member-based community organization whose primary focus is enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Grinnell and the surrounding area. Created in 1985, the nonprofit organization takes pride in forming and empowering coalitions to implement community improvement projects that improve the quality of life in our community, promote a healthy environment, and complement economic development efforts. Our "green, playing, and growing" initiatives include the Community Garden, Single Stream Recycling, Grinnell Area Recreational Trails, natural playscapes, run/walk/bike events, and tree mapping.   For more information about Imagine Grinnell, please visit the Imagine Grinnell website.

The Job

In this position, the student will work closely under the direction of the executive director to learn all facets of a non-profit environment. Former apprentice Emily Stanfield ('12) suggests that “an apprenticeship at Imagine Grinnell is a good opportunity to be involved in many great events in the Grinnell community, learn about event coordination, and how a member-driven organization is run. It is an especially great apprenticeship opportunity if you are interested in helping make Grinnell a ‘greener’ city.” Specific responsibilities will likely include:

  • Researching grants and assisting with writing of the grants and grant reports.
  • Coordinating and attending community events such as Community Garden workshops and youth classes, run/walk/bike events on Grinnell Area Recreational Trail, the Grinnell Games, and a local talent auction.
  • Coordinating event marketing in the community, which may include contacting the local radio station and newspapers, creating and posting fliers in town and on campus, sending monthly newsletter emails, and updating Imagine Grinnell's Facebook page and website.
  • Assisting in the preparation of materials for monthly board meetings, as well as other organizational projects and other general office work such as copying, scanning, updating spreadsheets, and preparing of mailings.
  • The apprentice should also be prepared to think of creative opportunities for collaboration between local organizations, as well as ways to build more connections between Grinnell College and the Grinnell community at large.

Specific Requirements

This student will need strong writing skills, experience with social media outlets, and have an interest in designing brochures and posters.  She or he should also be flexible, organized and have a strong interest in becoming more directly and actively involved in the Grinnell community. This student should be interested in outdoor activities and in making Grinnell a more sustainable community.