Overview of the Fellowship:
The Boston Celtics and the Chuck Cooper Foundation (CCF) are seeking undergraduate students and graduate students from accredited colleges and universities for a Fellowship focusing on racial justice and social equities. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for advancing anti-discrimination and bias-prevention dialogues on race, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. The goal of this Fellowship is to cultivate the next generation of sports industry leaders as it relates to the intersection of sport and social justice.
The Fellowship embodies both the CCF’s commitment to championing underserved undergraduate and graduate students, honoring the legacy of Chuck Cooper, as well as extending the Boston Celtics championship legacy into the New England community through initiatives that benefit children and the people of Boston in need.
The Fellow must be available to work in-person. The position will require the Fellow to be in the office a minimum of three (3) days per week, which may include evenings, weekends, and other non-standard work hours as needed. This role will report to the Manager of Community Engagement.
Highlights of the Fellowship:
We're looking for someone who excels in time management, interpersonal skills, maintains a positive attitude, and has a strong desire to learn. Also, the ability to multitask and adapt to a changing environment is imperative to success in this position, in addition to supporting other departments across the organization. If you have a passion for using professional sports as a catalyst for social justice, this is the opportunity for you!
The Chuck Cooper Foundation Fellow will assist in the day-to-day operations of Boston Celtics United for Social Justice, a multi-focus commitment to addressing racial injustice and social inequities in the Greater Boston area, with an emphasis on combating issues that have impacted the African American community as a result of the nation’s long-term history of systemic racism.
Responsibilities:
- Developing issue expertise through research and report writing
- Planning campaigns and developing strategies
- Building and demonstrating public support through events and by working with activists and local organizations
- Assisting the fundraising and operational efforts of Boston Celtics United for Social Justice
- Presenting research and updates to Boston Celtics United pillar leads and committee members
- Supporting the six Boston Celtics United for Social Justice pillars: Equity in Education | Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges | Economic Opportunity and Empowerment | Equity in Healthcare | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement | Voting and Civic Engagement
Requirements:
- Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program (juniors and seniors preferred)
- Must be eligible to receive course credit toward their degree for the successful completion of the Fellowship
- Passion for social change
- Overall dedication to community development work
- Strong work ethic
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Proven leadership skills
- Strong commitment to getting results
- Outgoing, results-driven, personable, responsible, and organized
- Able to work individually or in a group setting
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Always demonstrate sound professional judgment
- Public speaking experience
Banner Seventeen, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants for employment are afforded equal opportunity in every area of hiring and employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy (and pregnancy related conditions), gender identity or expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, military or veteran status or any other category protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
About Boston Celtics
Throughout their storied history the Boston Celtics have long stood for equality and respect, including drafting the first African American Player, hiring the first African American Coach and playing the first all African American starting five. The Celtics have won a record 18 NBA Championships spanning five (5) decades, including eight (8) in a row from 1959-1966, and winning their most recent in 2008. In addition, forty-one (41) former Celtics players, management, coaches or staff have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In December 2002 the team returned to local ownership for the first time since 1963.
About Boston Celtics United
The Boston Celtics & Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation are committed to addressing racial injustice and social inequities in the Greater Boston area, especially as they impact the African American community given recent events and the country’s long history of systemic racism. The plan is to resource this effort with a commitment of $25M over the course of 10 years, with new and existing funding coming from the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and by leveraging the support of Celtics corporate partners, fans and stakeholders. The six areas of focus of the initiative are: Equity in Education, Economic Empowerment, Equity in Health, Breaking Down Barriers & Building Bridges between communities, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement and Voting/Civic Engagement. Focus areas were identified through an extensive process interviewing members of the Celtics team and organization as well as key community organizations, leaders and social justice experts.
About Chuck Cooper Foundation
The Chuck Cooper Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to honoring the legacy of Chuck Cooper by helping further the education of our young people. The mission of The Chuck Cooper Foundation is to continue the legacy of Charles “Chuck” Cooper, the first African American drafted into the National Basketball Association, by awarding graduate-level scholarships and by providing comprehensive leadership development, professional skills, and opportunities to underserved students. Our goal is to propel our students to success in higher education in order to achieve their highest potential in their careers and ultimately, in life.
