How to apply for City Cohort Lead - Memphis, TN

About Civic Nation

Civic Nation is a nonpartisan organization that builds and supports national campaigns and initiatives to drive social change, such as the Change Collective, which focuses on reinventing civic life for the 21st century. Working here means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to combating social isolation, political polarization, and civic disengagement by investing in local leadership development across the country.

About the role

As the City Cohort Lead for Memphis, you will facilitate the Change Collective's 6-month fellowship program, guiding a cohort of rising local leaders through a curriculum that blends in-person and online learning experiences. You will also cultivate partnerships on the ground to strengthen the initiative's impact, directly contributing to building a national network of civic changemakers.

A typical day

A typical day might involve preparing for an upcoming in-person workshop, coordinating logistics with local partners, and facilitating a virtual learning session for your cohort. You might also spend time checking in with participants, identifying new partnership opportunities, and collaborating with the national Change Collective team to align on curriculum and goals.

Who Civic Nation is looking for

• Experienced in facilitating adult learning or leadership development programs, with the ability to engage diverse groups both in-person and virtually.
• Deeply connected to the Memphis community, with a strong network and understanding of local civic issues, leaders, and organizations.
• Skilled at building and maintaining partnerships with local stakeholders to support program goals and expand reach.
• Passionate about civic engagement, social cohesion, and leadership development, with a commitment to nonpartisan solutions.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your direct experience in Memphis: mention specific local organizations, initiatives, or networks you've worked with to demonstrate your on-the-ground knowledge.
• Emphasize any previous facilitation or teaching experience, especially with adult learners or community leaders, as this is a core responsibility.
• Show your understanding of the Change Collective's mission to combat social isolation and polarization; connect your personal or professional experiences to these goals.
• Since the role is part-time and temporary, be clear about your availability starting February 2027 and your interest in potential future cohorts.
• Demonstrate your ability to work remotely while being actively engaged in the Memphis community; provide examples of how you've managed remote work and local partnerships simultaneously.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your deep ties to Memphis and your track record of local civic engagement. 2) Your facilitation skills and experience with curriculum delivery, particularly in blended learning environments. 3) Your ability to build and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders. 4) Your passion for leadership development and civic renewal, and why you're excited to support the Change Collective's mission.

Research before applying

• Explore the Change Collective's website and any published reports or articles about its impact and curriculum structure.
• Research Civic Nation's other initiatives to understand the broader organizational context and how the Change Collective fits into their mission.
• Learn about current civic engagement efforts and key leaders in Memphis, including local nonprofits, community organizers, and civic institutions.
• Read about the challenges of social isolation and political polarization in urban communities, and how leadership development can address them.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach facilitating a cohort of leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, especially in a politically polarized environment?
• Can you describe your experience in building partnerships with local organizations in Memphis? What strategies have you used to engage stakeholders?
• What do you see as the biggest challenges facing civic engagement in Memphis, and how would you address them through this fellowship?
• How would you ensure that both in-person and online learning experiences are engaging and effective for participants?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt a curriculum or program to meet the needs of a specific group. What was the outcome?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic language about civic engagement; instead, tailor your application to show specific knowledge of Memphis and the Change Collective's unique approach.
• Don't overlook the part-time and temporary nature of the role; be transparent about your availability and interest in short-term commitments.
• Avoid focusing solely on your facilitation skills without demonstrating your ability to build local partnerships, as this is a key dual responsibility.