How to apply for City Cohort Lead - Detroit, MI

About Civic Nation

Civic Nation is a national nonprofit organization that builds and scales movements to create lasting change, with initiatives like When We All Vote, It's On Us, and the Change Collective. Working here means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to strengthening democracy, increasing civic engagement, and combating social isolation and polarization. The Change Collective specifically invests in local leaders, making it a unique opportunity to shape the future of civic leadership in Detroit and beyond.

About the role

As a part-time City Cohort Lead for the Change Collective in Detroit, you will facilitate a learning curriculum that blends in-person and online experiences for rising local leaders. You'll also cultivate partnerships on the ground to strengthen the initiative's impact. This temporary role (February 2027–November 2027) is ideal for someone passionate about civic engagement and leadership development, with the potential to continue for future cohorts.

A typical day

A typical day might involve preparing materials for an upcoming in-person workshop, hosting a virtual check-in with cohort participants, and meeting with a local community partner to explore collaboration opportunities. You'll balance facilitation, relationship-building, and administrative tasks, all while supporting leaders in their civic journeys.

Who Civic Nation is looking for

• Experienced in facilitating adult learning or leadership development programs, preferably in a civic or community context.
• Deeply connected to Detroit's community landscape, with existing relationships and a strong understanding of local issues.
• Skilled at building and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including nonprofits, community groups, and local leaders.
• Comfortable with both in-person and virtual facilitation, and able to manage part-time commitments effectively.
• Passionate about combating social isolation, political polarization, and civic disengagement through collaborative leadership.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your direct experience in Detroit's civic ecosystem—name specific neighborhoods, organizations, or initiatives you've worked with.
• Emphasize any prior facilitation or curriculum delivery experience, especially in leadership development or community organizing.
• Show your understanding of the Change Collective's mission by referencing its focus on combating polarization and social isolation in your materials.
• Demonstrate your ability to build partnerships by providing concrete examples of collaborations you've initiated or sustained.
• Since this is a part-time, temporary role, address your availability and flexibility for the February–November 2027 timeframe upfront.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your personal connection to Detroit and why you're committed to strengthening its civic fabric.", 'Specific examples of facilitating learning experiences that empowered others to take action.', "How you've built partnerships across differences to advance a shared goal.", "Your alignment with Civic Nation's values and the Change Collective's mission to reinvent civic life."]

Research before applying

• Explore the Change Collective's website and any published reports or impact stories to understand its curriculum and goals.
• Research Civic Nation's other initiatives (e.g., When We All Vote, It's On Us) to grasp the organization's broader mission and approach.
• Investigate current civic engagement efforts and challenges in Detroit, including key organizations and community leaders.
• Look into the backgrounds of Civic Nation's leadership and the Change Collective team to understand their priorities and vision.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach facilitating a cohort of diverse local leaders with varying perspectives and experiences?
• Describe a time you built a partnership that strengthened a community initiative. What was your role?
• What do you see as the biggest civic challenges in Detroit, and how would you address them through this role?
• How would you adapt the learning curriculum to meet the needs of participants in both in-person and online settings?
• Why are you interested in a part-time, temporary position with the Change Collective, and how do you envision its potential for future cohorts?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your connection to Detroit—generic statements about loving the city without specific examples will stand out negatively.
• Focusing only on national civic issues without addressing local Detroit context, as the role requires deep local knowledge.
• Neglecting to mention facilitation or teaching experience, as this is a core responsibility of the position.