Join Us in Expanding Economic Opportunity
Be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, results, and creating lasting impact through flexible, hybrid work opportunities.
Employment at WACIF is more than just a job. It's a mission.
Life at WACIF is dynamic and rewarding. We invest in our people, fostering professional growth through an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment. Here, passion is celebrated, ideas are valued, and every team member plays a vital role in empowering entrepreneurs and advancing economic initiatives.
Build a Purpose-Driven Career
Work with a mission-focused team dedicated to expanding economic opportunity and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Learn and Grow Every Day
Access professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that help you sharpen your skills and advance your career.
Collaborate with Changemakers
Join a dynamic community of professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates working together to empower small business success.
Make a Local and Global Impact
Your work supports thriving small businesses and strong communities, building economic resilience across the region and beyond.


Benefits That Support Your Life, Inside and Outside of Work
WACIF offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive—professionally, personally, and financially. From generous time off and robust health coverage to professional development, retirement savings, and flexible work options, our benefits are built to support your goals and well-being at every stage of your career.
Paid Time Off
- 20 days Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrued
- 10 Sick Leave Days Accrued
- Floating Holidays
- Federal Holidays Observed
- Additional Year-end Holidays Observed
Health & retirement
- Eligibility to participate in Wacif’s Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Flexible Savings Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and Dependent Care Account (DCA) eligible
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 401(k) – Matching contributions to Wacif’s Retirement and Employee Savings Plan
- Life Insurance
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability
Career advancement
- Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Student Loan Repayment
Hybrid work options
- Hybrid Work Environment & Flexible Work Schedule
- Work From Home Allowance, determined annually
Transportation
- WMATA SmartBenefits
- Capital Bikeshare membership
Community Investment Internship Program
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Priority evaluations begin on the dates listed below. Internship start and end dates are flexible pending availability.
- For Summer Internships: Applications will be reviewed beginning April 1st each year.
- For Fall Internships: Applications will be reviewed beginning July 15th each year.
- For Spring Internships: Applications will be reviewed beginning November 15th each year.
Have Questions About Internships?
Not sure about the application process, timelines, or qualifications? We’re here to help you get the answers you need so you can apply with confidence.
Market Analysis & Industry Research Internship
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Market Analysis & Industry Research Intern will conduct analysis and research critical to operational, programmatic, and lending operations, and be exposed to a range of issues affecting community and economic development, nonprofits, small business and lending.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct national, state, and local best practice and policy research on issues related to predatory small business lending, food equity and ecosystem development, and equity and inclusion
- Apply and adapt research findings to program and initiative development
- Research demographic and economic data on the Washington, DC metropolitan area and inform program strategy through findings
- Serve as a member of Wacif’s internal Impact Team, and gather and analyze financial and loan data to track Wacif performance and impact
- Research CDFI industry performance indicators and Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) industry standards
QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate or graduate students, with excellent written and oral communications skills, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to locate, download, clean and analyze data
- Independent worker, and self-starter with problem solving skills, and able to produce results in a timely manner
- Ability to identify and resolve problems, and gather and analyze information skillfully
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and databases
- Access to personal laptop
BENEFITS
- Part-time and full-time opportunities available
- Academic credit and transportation stipend
- Meaningful work, and a deeper understanding of Washington, D.C.’s small business community
- Connections and ability to build a professional network with local business owners, local government officials, and other professionals
- Attend important meetings with key government, policy, and business stakeholders
- Have a greater understanding of opportunity finance, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry, and impact investing
- Become well-versed in DC’s economic indicators & trends
HOW TO APPLY
This is an unpaid internship. To apply, submit your cover letter detailing your interest in the position, a short writing sample, and a resume to with “Market Analysis & Industry Research Intern” in the subject. No phone calls please.
Social Media & Communications Intern
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Social Media & Communications Intern will assist with e-communications, marketing, public relations, social media, research, and media research to promote Wacif, its impact, events, and increase awareness of issues impacting areas of small business development in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform social media tasks (making updates, tracking followers, keeping lists up-to-date)
Assist in managing and developing media campaigns, and track website and social media numbers
Write copy for press releases, op-eds, blog posts, newsletter articles, web site, and other marketing pieces
Produce multimedia content for and engagement on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn), including photos and videos
Support communications team in publicizing Wacif’s key programs and events
Research small business development issues for communications pieces
Develop relationships with bloggers and press
QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate and graduate students, with excellent written and oral communications skills, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated an in-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and their respective participants and how they can be deployed in different scenarios
Social media savvy and marketing experience; and knowledge and experience blogging
Independent worker, and self-starter with problem solving skills, and able to produce results in a timely manner
Ability to identify and resolve problems, and gather and analyze information skillfully
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and databases
Access to personal laptop
BENEFITS
Part-time and full-time opportunities available
Academic credit and transportation stipend
Meaningful work, and a deeper understanding of Washington, D.C.’s small business community
Connections and ability to build a professional network with local business owners, local government officials, and other professionals
Attend important meetings with key government, policy, and business stakeholders
Have a greater understanding of opportunity finance, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry, and impact investing
Become well-versed in DC’s economic indicators & trends
HOW TO APPLY
This is an unpaid internship. To apply, submit your cover letter detailing your interest in the position, a short writing sample, and a resume to with “Social Media & Communications Intern” in the subject. No phone calls please.
Performance & Investment Impact Internship
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Performance & Investment Impact Intern will lead a project to research and analyze the impact of Wacif’s 30 years of community investment in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Fellow will conduct research and analyze impact of past real estate and affordable housing projects, small businesses, and other investments.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct qualitative research on historical Wacif projects
- Collect, clean, and prepare performance data for analysis
- Analyze historical financial and loan data to evaluate impact
- Conduct field research to identify projects
- Develop impact assessment and narrative, including photos and videos, for investments
- Develop publications that share research and impact analysis
QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate or graduate students, with excellent written and oral communications skills, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to locate, download, and clean data
- Independent worker, and self-starter with problem solving skills, and able to produce results in a timely manner
- Ability to identify and resolve problems, and gather and analyze information skillfully
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and databases
- Access to personal laptop
BENEFITS
- Part-time and full-time opportunities available
- Academic credit and transportation stipend
- Meaningful work, and a deeper understanding of Washington, D.C.’s small business community
- Connections and ability to build a professional network with local business owners, local government officials, and other professionals
- Attend important meetings with key government, policy, and business stakeholders
- Have a greater understanding of opportunity finance, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry, and impact investing
- Become well-versed in DC’s economic indicators & trends
HOW TO APPLY
This is an unpaid internship. To apply, submit your cover letter detailing your interest in the position, a short writing sample, and a resume to with “Performance & Investment Impact Intern” in the subject. No phone calls please.