Grants Administration Intern

This paid, part-time internship offers current college students and recent graduates an opportunity to learn about public sector grants and program administration. Based in the Prosperity Office, you will support both the Economic Opportunity and Tourism divisions while gaining direct experience with the grant programs that fund community events, arts, culture, and sustainability. 

This role is ideal for anyone looking to build a career in government, nonprofit management, finance, or public administration. You will gain hands-on experience in everything from guiding applicants to handling back-end payment workflows, all while building a professional network with local community leaders and organizations.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence 
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. 

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan. 

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because: 

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements. 
  
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals. 
  
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results. 

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve. What You’ll Do in This Role:  

• Support grant programs that fund Durango’s local events, arts, tourism, and sustainability projects. 
  
• Review applications, reimbursement requests, and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy. 
  
• Assist with payment, requisition, and reimbursement processes while learning public sector financial procedures. 
  
• Track deadlines, award status, and required documentation using spreadsheets and grant management tools. 
  
• Maintain organized digital records that support compliance, transparency, and program success. 
  
• Serve as a helpful point of contact for grant applicants, answering questions by email and guiding them through the process. 
  
• Help design and improve user-friendly forms, templates, and guidance materials for future applicants. 
  
• Support reporting, presentations, and special projects as needed. 
  
• Learn how local government programs operate while contributing to projects that benefit the Durango community. 
  

You Have:  

• Current enrollment in a college or university program, or recent graduation from a degree program. 
  
• Coursework in public administration, business, nonprofit management, finance, economics, communications, tourism, sustainability, or a related field. 
  

You Will Succeed in This Role If You: 

• Are comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, and other office software, or can quickly learn new systems and tools. 
  
• Are organized, dependable, and can manage your time well between school and work. 
  
• Love finding faster, smarter, and more user-friendly ways to get things done. 
  
• Are curious about how local government funding supports community projects and services. 
  

What We Can Offer You:  
In addition to gaining hands-on experience with grants and program administration, you'll have opportunities to: 

• Build practical skills in public sector operations, financial processes, customer service, and project coordination. 
  
• Learn how public funding supports community programs and initiatives. 
  
• Work with community organizations, event partners, local businesses, and other stakeholders. 
  
• Expand your professional network and gain exposure to potential career paths in government and nonprofit work. 
  
• Receive professional references or letters of recommendation based on performance. 
  
• Pursue academic credit if approved by your college or university. 
  
• Work a flexible schedule that can accommodate classes, exams, and other academic commitments.
  

The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees: 

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area 
  
• Free Transit pass 
  
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards 
  

View the full Grants Administration Intern job description here.