
Why you should apply
Learn about the many benefits of the fellowship opportunity, from social to career, personal development and more!
As a Challenge Detroit Fellow, you will:
- Develop valuable leadership, project management and team-building skills through a multi-faceted leadership development program
- Gain knowledge and experience in various areas of impact in an accelerated time frame
- Grow your career at your host company and learn about different sectors and industries
- Learn and leverage the art of design thinking and community development best practices
- Collaborate with multiple Detroit-based nonprofits on strategic, intellectually-based, community-focused projects to support them in moving their missions forward
- Acquire a better understanding of the city by learning about the history of Detroit, how it has impacted the region, and about various neighborhoods in the city
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with your cohort and the broader Challenge Detroit community
- Connect with mentors and gain access to local leaders who have an interest in your success
- Join the network of over 300 alumni Fellows who continue to engage and support the program as well as contribute in their communities
- Receive a $43,000* annual salary when you apply for our Standard Track, plus variable benefits typical of your host company
*Internal and Community Leader Track applicants receive a discretionary salary from their employers.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Read about our qualifications and requirements to determine if this is the right opportunity for you.
We are looking for candidates from the City of Detroit, surrounding areas, the state of Michigan and beyond, who represent a diverse range of race/ethnicity, gender identity, orientation, thought, experience, educational backgrounds, perspective and ability. The most successful candidates are passionate about community, dedicated, proactive, hard-working, innovative, adaptable and have a growth mindset.
All applicants must:
- Be able to read and communicate in written and spoken English fluently—all materials are in English and programs are conducted in English (candidates with proficiency in more than one language are welcome).
- Be in the City of Detroit or greater Detroit area and be able to commute to various locations within the City of Detroit regularly for the duration of the program.
- Be authorized* to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program (Sept 2023-Aug 2024).
- Meet our full list of requirements which can be viewed by clicking here.
*Challenge Detroit is unable to assist with employment authorization, visa sponsorship or immigration.
OUR PROCESS & TIMELINE
After you apply, what happens next? Learn about our process and timeline/key dates.
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Online Application | Due Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 11:59pm (Eastern Time)
Complete a basic online application with short answer questions, and submit a one-page resume (plus a portfolio link if typical in your industry) and a 60-second application video by our deadline. Click here to view our application tips and guidelines.
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Application Review | Rolling
Challenge Detroit leadership, our host companies, and a community review team, will review each application and select candidates to invite to move forward.
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Finalist Notification | Rolling
Candidates who have been selected as Finalists will be notified about 2-3 weeks prior to the VIE on a rolling basis.
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The Virtual Interview Experience (VIE) | June 7-8, 2023
Finalists will join us for our Virtual Interview Experience (VIE) where they will interview with our host companies/potential employers and Challenge Detroit Leadership, hear from current and alumni Fellows, connect with other candidates and learn more about the city and our program. Participation in the VIE is required for standard track candidates.
Becoming a Finalist and participating in the VIE does not guarantee that a candidate will be hired and placed as a Fellow as multiple candidates are being considered for each role.
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Placements | Starting Mid June (Rolling)
Following the VIE, Challenge Detroit leadership will work with the host companies while also putting into consideration candidate feedback to determine final job placements. Challenge Detroit will notify candidates of their placement and acceptance into the program on a rolling basis.
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Fellowship Program | Starting September 2023
The program year will begin in September 2023 and finish at the end of August 2024. Learn more about what the year as a Fellow will be like here.