Justice Fellow

If the fellowship position above is not a match for you and you have an alternative proposal for how, as a one-year JusticeFellow, you could bring your perspective and community roots in a rural place to work with our team to make a lasting impact advancing economic opportunity and equity through community development finance in the rural regions CEI serves, we would welcome hearing your idea for a project that you could carry out during your one-year fellowship at CEI. The Justice Fellowship at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) introduces early-career professionals from communities that have traditionally faced challengesaccessing capitalorbusiness ownershipopportunities to the work of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and entrepreneurship development, with a focus onrural regions and small cities.

Now more than ever, you can help build a strong and inclusive economy by helping togrow small businesses and strengthen communities in Maine. The Justice Fellowship at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) introduces early-career professionals from communities that have traditionally faced challengesaccessing capitalorbusiness ownershipopportunities to the work of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and entrepreneurship development, with a focus onrural regions and small cities. The Fellowship program will welcomeFellowsworkat CEI, with a start date of September 21, 2026, through September 30, 2027. This is a one-year, full-time, benefit-eligible position with a salary of $56,000a year and substantive opportunities for growth and networking in the CDFI industry. You will work with a sponsoring team to develop and carry out a project thatsupportsCEIs work growing good jobs, livelihoods and diverse small business ownershipusing the tools of community development finance in rural communities. You will also experience valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking, including attendance to theOpportunity Finance Network Conferencefrom October 2023, 2026inNew Orleans. along with members of the CEI team. Who we are: Headquartered in Maine, CEI is aCommunityDevelopmentFinanceInstitution that is a national leader in rural economic and business development. CEI's mission isto build a just, vibrant, and climate-resilient future for people and communities in Maine and rural communities across the country.We do this by integrating finance, businessexpertise, and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably. Over 70 percent of our financing and advicegoesto businesses that are expanding opportunities forpeople living in rural communities,communitieswith low-income residents, communities of color, and others who have been left behind by our economy. Learn more about working at CEIhere. What we believe: As careful, responsible managers of the resources entrusted to us, we recognize that our decisions and actions have near and long-term impacts on people and the planet. We work to ensure that all people, especially those facing individual or systems barriers to opportunity, can secure a livelihood that enables them to build assets and share prosperity. We engage diverse staff, board members, and partners who bring lived experience, community connections, andknow-howto the problems we aim to solve. We foster creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit at CEI, through our networks, and in the communities we serve. We share knowledge,practices,resources, and partner with people and organizations to deepen our mission impact. Who we areseeking: You are an early career professional, interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and community developmentin rural regions and small cities. You are curious about how to apply business and technical skills in creative ways that have a real impact on peoples lives, and you are eager to boost small businesses, build good jobs, and promote environmental sustainability as part of an equitable Maine economy. You are an agent of change who brings perspectives as well as networks and livedexperiences from traditionally underserved communities. You bring valuable professional experience and great organizational skills. You work independently and as part of a team. You take the initiative and hold yourself accountable. You bring diverse perspectives and approaches to the team, enjoy the opportunity to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, sectors, and identities, and foster strong relationships with clients and colleagues. You have lived experience as a part of authentic and accountable relationships with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Justice Fellowship 2026-2027PositionsAvailable: ProgramsFellow:This Justice Fellowexploreshow artificial intelligence (AI) isimpactingCEIs work, our clients businesses, and economicopportunitiesacrossMaine.TheFellow would support both internal alignment (policies, norms, staff use) and external practice (how we advise and respond to clients usingAI).AI is already present in our ecosystemclients are using it (sometimes effectively, sometimes inaccurately), and staff are navigating it without shared guidance. This role would help CEI take a proactive, thoughtful approach that aligns with our mission and values. Core Focus Areas 1. AI in Client Advising & Lending Document how clients are currently using AI (e.g., business plans, projections, HR materials). Identify risks (accuracy, bias, over-reliance) and opportunities. Develop practical guidance for advisors on how to respond to and work with AI-generated materials. Explore how CEI can support clients in using AI to strengthen their businesses (without replacing core learning and decision-making). 2. Internal AIUse& Organizational Stance Assess current AI use across client facing teams (Programs, lending). Identify where AI improves efficiency vs. where human judgment must remain central. Support revision of internal guidance on responsible AI use. 3. Training & Capacity Building (Staff + Clients) Design and pilot staff training on interacting with client's AI use (starting with BDS and other client-facing teams). Develop simple client-facing guidance on using AI effectively and responsibly. 5. CDFI Field Scan (bonus work) Research how other CDFIs are using AI . Internally (operations, underwriting, efficiency). Externally (client advising and tools). Identify emerging practices and gaps. 6. Climate & Environmental Impact of AI. Document environmental impacts of AI (energy use, water consumption, emissions). Explore how these considerations intersect with CEIs climate goals. Inform whether and how environmental impact should factor into our AI approach. Justice Fellow:Open Project Option:We want to hear your ideas about how CEI can boost community development or reduce barriers facing entrepreneurs in Maine or rural regions nationally. Our entrepreneurial spirit goes beyond providing financing and business advice to our clients and community members. We believe in innovation, and most importantly, we believe in the power of your perspective. If the fellowship position above is not a match for you and you have an alternative proposal for how, as a one-year JusticeFellow, you could bring your perspective and community roots in a rural place to work with our team to make a lasting impact advancing economic opportunity and equity through community development finance in the rural regions CEI serves, we would welcome hearing your idea for a project that you could carry out during your one-year fellowship at CEI. Our decision to accept an open option Justice Fellow will be based on the potential of your proposal (please describe your project idea in one page or less), its alignment with CEIs mission, and CEI identifies a willing sponsor for the project from the CEI team. Preferred candidates will have: Associate degree or a bachelors degree with 1-3years of professional level experience. A passion for mission-driven work in the entrepreneurship and community development fields, and an interest andcuriosityabout advancingthese in rural regions and small cities. Lived experience and authentic association with communities that have traditionally faced challenges and lack of resources or opportunities; a commitment toan ongoing career in community and economic development. Effective communication skills, you are a great writer and have strong presentation skills to convey messages to a diverse audience. Strong problem-solving, research and analytical skills, and critical thinking ability. Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Justice Fellowship Compensation and other details: This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week position with excellent benefits and generous time off including vacation, personal and sick time, and paid holidays.We work in a hybrid model, two days in the office, and three days at home. This is a one-year, full-time, benefit-eligible position at CEI with a salary of $56,000a year and wonderful opportunities for growth and networking in the CDFI industry. Relocationassistancemay be available for non-Maine based fellows. This position is basedin ourheadquarters in Brunswick, Maine. This is a 12-month position from September 21, 2026, through September 30, 2027. CEIs compensation philosophy is to attract, motivate, andretainhigh-performing employees who are committed to the mission, values, and business success of CEI. Whilemaintainingfiscal responsibility, we pay our employees fairly and consistentlyrelativeto the market, reward the achievement of individual, team, and organizational goals; and provide an environment for people to engage in impactful, mission-driven work. The salaryposted for this roleindicatesour best and final competitive offer for a qualified candidate, dependent on experience level, skillset, and qualifications. Coastal Enterprises, Inc. isanaffirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.