Justice Fellow

• Base Pay $56,000.00 - $56,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt

Now more than ever, you can help build a strong and inclusive economy by helping to grow 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 challenges accessing capital or business ownership opportunities to the work of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and entrepreneurship development , with a focus on rural regions and small cities.

The Fellowship program will welcome Fellows work at CEI, with a start date of September 2 1 , 202 6 , through September 30, 202 7 . This is a one-year, full-time, benefit-eligible position with a salary of $ 56,000 a 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 that supports CEI’s work growing good jobs, livelihoods and diverse small business ownership using the tools of community development finance in rural communities . You will also experience valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and networking, including attendance to the Opportunity Finance Network Conference from October 20 – 23 , 2026 in New Orleans .

along with members of the CEI team.

Headquartered in Maine, CEI is a C ommunity D evelopment F inance I nstitution that is a national leader in rural economic and business development. CEI's mission is to 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, business expertise , and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably.

Over 70 percent of our financing and advice goes to businesses that are expanding opportunities for people living in rural communities, communities with low-income residents , communities of color, and others who have been left behind by our economy. Learn more about working at CEI here.

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, and know-how to 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.

You are an early career professional, interested in the intersection of entrepreneurship and community development in 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 people’s 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 lived experiences 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.

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