Fellowship Opportunity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the objectives of the Fellowship for Equitable Affordable Housing Development (FEAHD)? Why is FEAHD needed?

Three Boston-area organizations-Opportunity Communities, The Neighborhood Developers, and Urban Edge-have come together to diversify and cultivate leaders of color in affordable housing real estate development. These organizations aspire to create a solution that encourages people of color to pursue careers in real estate, as well as support their growth in the sector.

The Fellowship for Equitable Affordable Housing Development (FEAHD) is designed to prepare and support individuals of color to thrive in real estate development roles within local non-profit community development organizations. The Fellowship will also support those organizations to evolve their workplace practices and policies in such a way that these environments will foster equitable advancement, inclusion, and a positive employment experience.

By pairing full-time employment as an Associate Project Manager with training, mentorship and peer support, the Fellowship offers an effective entry point into the field of real estate development. The Fellowship provides technical training, professional skills development, mentorship, and a cohort of other Associate Project Managers to share knowledge with and build a professional network.

What is the profile of a Fellowship candidate?

Ideal candidates are those who:

  • Have either four years of relevant work experience OR a college degree;

  • Have backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the real estate development field;

  • Have lived experience that aligns with the communities served by Massachusetts CDCs;

  • Demonstrated interest in real estate development, community development, or housing; and

  • Desire to work with communities of color, low-income communities, or disinvested communities.

  • The candidate may be an individual within a community development corporation (CDC) who is interested in transitioning into real estate development;

  • The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, pays attention to detail, is curious and analytical, and enjoys working on and interacting with teams.

What is the compensation of Fellows?

The 24-month Fellowship accompanies on-the-job work experience as an Associate Project Manager, with an anticipated starting salary of $50,000.

What type of training and development is provided during the Fellowship?

Fellows will benefit from practical on-the-job work experience, skills training, a mentor, and peer support. Fellows will be prepared for rewarding careers that produce affordable residential and commercial dwellings that improve the communities they serve.

Are there other aspects of the Fellowship?

In addition to full-time work experience, the Fellowship provides training, skill building, and mentorship. Upon being invited to join the Fellowship, participants will undergo a skills assessment, to determine knowledge of skills (e.g., spreadsheet analysis) essential to being successful in the Associate Project Manager role. The assessment will also measure Fellow’s familiarity and comfort with composing memos, e-mails, and presentations. Based on skill level, an individual development plan will be generated to ensure the Fellow receives the knowledge and training required to be successful in the role, and in the Fellowship.

Once on the job, Fellows will come together once monthly to continue their learning journey, discuss challenges, visit project sites, and continue skill building. Fellows will also be assigned a mentor who will touch base with them at least once per month. In addition, Fellows will have access to Project Managers who offer “office hours” so that technical questions can be asked and answered in a low-risk, low-stakes setting.

Finally, the Fellowship Director will check in with Fellows periodically and will also conduct quarterly check-ins with Fellows’ supervisors.

How do I express interest and apply to the Fellowship?

Interested candidates can contact the program director to express interest, or complete the Fellowship Application Form. The application process will include the submission of a resume, accompanied by written responses to a few questions and a short video explanation of why you feel that you are an optimal candidate.

When will applicants know if they are selected?

Fellows for the 2023-2025 cohort were chosen following a selective process, beginning May, 2023. The next cycle (Fall 2025-2027) will open in the spring of 2025. Interested candidates will apply online at www.OppCommunities.org. Finalists for the fellowship will meet with leaders from select host organizations, then a alignment process will pair future Fellows with host organizations that both parties determine to be the best fit.

By September 2025, the host organization will offer full-time employment to the candidate, then, upon accepting the job, the candidate will become a member of the Fellowship. Fellows will need to be available for a week-long orientation beginning in mid-September, 2025. The Fellowship will cover expenses for travel, food, and lodging associated with the week-long immersion. Fellows will start work as Associate Project Managers in September, 2025.