Community & Economic Development Associates (CEDA)

Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) is a nonprofit organization that provides community and economic development services to rural communities and small cities.

CEDA partners with local governments, counties, and organizations to support:

• Economic development planning

• Grant writing and administration

• Housing and community development

• Business development support

• Broadband and infrastructure planning

• Strategic planning and facilitation

• Public engagement and community visioning

CEDA works directly with local leaders to help communities grow, strengthen infrastructure, support local businesses, and secure funding for long-term sustainability.

What careers exist here?

• Community & Economic Development Specialist

• Economic Development Coordinator

• Grant Writer

• Grant Administrator

• Community Planner

• Project Manager

• Business Development Specialist

• Housing Development Specialist

• Broadband Development Specialist

• Public Engagement Specialist

• Administrative Support Specialist

These roles combine public service, planning, finance, research, and community engagement.

How do people grow or move up here?

CEDA supports professional development through hands-on project work across multiple communities. Growth often occurs by:

• Starting as a Development Specialist or Coordinator

• Managing increasingly complex projects (housing, infrastructure, grant portfolios)

• Leading multi-community initiatives

• Advancing into Senior Specialist, Regional Manager, or Leadership roles

• Building expertise in niche areas such as broadband, housing, or public finance

Because CEDA works across rural communities, employees gain exposure to diverse challenges, funding sources, and public-sector partnerships, accelerating professional growth in community development.

What skills does this work build?

Problem-solving
Technology (project management systems, grant reporting platforms, data analysis tools)
Teamwork (working with city councils, county boards, and stakeholders)
Communication (public meetings, grant writing, facilitation)
Critical thinking (analyzing economic trends and funding strategies)
Other: Leadership, Public speaking, Strategic planning, Budget management

Notes:
CEDA roles require collaboration with elected officials, business leaders, and community members. Employees develop strong writing skills, financial literacy related to public funding, and the ability to manage complex multi-partner projects.

CEDA Internship:

Position Description--- This internship provides hands-on experience in various aspects of economic development; including
grant writing, data reporting, business outreach, program development, management and marketing. Responsibilities could
include (but are not limited to):

● Grant Writing and Reporting:
    o Assist in identifying grant opportunities that align with community, business and organization goals.
    o Prepare and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with all requirements and deadlines.
    o Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to grant-funded project.
● Business Visits and Outreach:
    o Conduct visits to local businesses to gather feedback, assess needs, and provide information on available programs and resources.
    o Support the planning and execution of events or meetings to strengthen relationships with community leaders and business stakeholders.
    o Share pertinent information with businesses.
● Program Development and Implementation:
    o Assist in researching and designing new programs to address community and economic development needs.
    o Support the roll-out of initiatives, including: marketing, communication, and logistics coordination.
    o Monitor program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data and preparing summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
● Administrative Support:
    o Manage documentation, including maintaining files and tracking progress on projects.
    o Contribute to department reports and presentations for stakeholders.
    o Collaborate with team members on various tasks and projects as needed throughout CEDA's various departments as needed.

Qualifications--- CEDA is looking for a team member who wants more than just a job. We're seeking a passionate, engaging individual who can find excitement and value in the important work that our organization does. Applicant must have a valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation.

● Preferred candidates will possess the following skillset
   o Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
   o Excellent Public Speaking Skills
   o Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Suite and Canva
   o Detail Oriented
   o Self-Motivated
   o Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously