Darling Intern
- Staff, part-time with limited benefits (20-31 hours per week)
Title: Darling Intern
Position Number: 100039
Unit/Department: Darling Institute
FTE: 60-80%
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
Department Summary:
The Mission of the Jay N. Darling Institute at Drake University is to provide educational and scholarly expertise for rural communities so that their citizens have improved access to quality health care and education, nutritious food, unimpaired natural resources, and ongoing economic and cultural opportunities. www.drake.edu/darling
Job Summary:
The Jay N. Darling Institute at Drake University is seeking a summer intern that will collaborate with community, school, and city stakeholders in Perry, Iowa in order to build a Perry Youth Council. Successful candidates may be permitted to work remotely, but this position will require occasional travel to and work from Perry. While the process to establish a youth council will be defined by the successful candidate, this position will require focus groups that engage the youth of Perry as well as in-community meetings to ensure that the diversity of the community is well-represented. The duration of this project is May 17th, 2026 – August 10th, 2026, with some flexibility around start and end dates. This position will report directly to the Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director of the Darling Institute.
Minimum Qualifications:
* The successful candidate will have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year academic institution within Iowa.
* Will have a proven record of accomplishments advocating for and working with diverse youth populations within Iowa.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills are also required.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Basic understanding of Spanish (conversational / written) preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter. Applicants must provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references.
If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email keith.summerville@drake.edu
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
