STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern

Position Summary

The Policy, Communications & Operations Intern will support the development of a statewide STEM ecosystem by assisting the Executive Director with strategic communications, marketing planning, partner engagement, policy and workforce research, data tracking, and grant support. This intern will play a key role in strengthening statewide messaging, identifying and organizing relevant STEM initiatives across Virginia, and supporting operational coordination with regional partners and hub leaders.

A significant component of this internship includes collecting, organizing, and analyzing data in spreadsheets to support partner engagement, grant development, and statewide reporting efforts.

This position is ideal for a student interested in public policy, communications, workforce development, education, nonprofit management, strategic partnerships, or data-informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing Support

• Assist in developing and executing a marketing and communications plan aligned with statewide STEM network goals.
• Create and support development of marketing and outreach materials such as:
• flyers, one-pagers, newsletters, and outreach templates
• social media content calendars and campaign concepts
• presentation slides and stakeholder materials
• Support development of consistent messaging for statewide and regional audiences.
• Assist in organizing and maintaining communication tools (email lists, partner updates, communication schedules, etc.).

Data Tracking & Spreadsheet Management

• Develop and maintain spreadsheet-based tracking tools to support partner engagement, hub development, and statewide ecosystem progress.
• Track and organize key data such as:
• partner and stakeholder contact information
• hub participation and regional engagement activity
• meeting attendance, outreach logs, and follow-up actions
• statewide STEM initiatives by region and sector
• grant opportunities, deadlines, and submission requirements
• Support basic data analysis by identifying trends, gaps, and patterns across regions (ex: underserved areas, partner engagement frequency, initiative overlap).
• Create clear, organized data summaries that can be used for:
• leadership decision-making
• grant narratives and reports
• stakeholder updates
• dashboards or summary briefs
• Assist in improving consistency and quality of data entry (standardizing formats, categories, and documentation practices).

Policy & Workforce Development Research

• Research current and emerging Virginia state policy developments related to STEM education, workforce development, and career readiness.
• Monitor statewide workforce development initiatives and reports (VDOE, VEDP, GO Virginia, SCHEV, Virginia Works, etc.).
• Summarize findings into short briefs and updates for leadership and partners.
• Track relevant legislation, funding priorities, and statewide initiatives that could influence STEM programming or partnerships.

Statewide STEM Ecosystem & Partner Support

• Support communication and coordination with STEM partners, hub leaders, and regional stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing partner communications, meeting agendas, and follow-up documentation.
• Help compile stakeholder lists and maintain a directory of STEM ecosystem partners.
• Support coordination of convenings, meetings, and outreach efforts.
• Document and track partner engagement actions and follow-up needs.

Grant and Funding Support

• Research potential grant opportunities aligned with statewide STEM ecosystem goals.
• Maintain a grant tracking spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and partner alignment.
• Assist in drafting grant support materials including:
• background research and supporting evidence
• needs statements and rationale
• program descriptions and outcomes language
• partner documentation and letters of support
• Support compilation of grant reporting data and documentation as needed.
• Assist in organizing sponsorship or funding prospect information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in:
• Public Policy, Communications, Marketing, Education, Political Science, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Business, or related field
• Strong writing and editing skills (professional tone)
• Strong spreadsheet skills (Google Sheets or Excel)
• Ability to organize and manage large sets of information with accuracy and consistency
• Ability to conduct research and summarize findings clearly
• Interest in STEM education, workforce development, and/or statewide collaboration
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks

Skills (Helpful/Preferred)

• Advanced Google Sheets / Excel skills (filters, formulas, conditional formatting, pivot tables preferred)
• Canva, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or Adobe tools
• Social media content planning (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
• Experience organizing contact lists, tracking outreach, or maintaining databases
• Familiarity with grants, nonprofit funding, or public-sector initiatives
• Professional email and stakeholder communication experience

Professional Competencies

• Clear communicator (written and verbal)
• Reliable, responsive, and organized
• Strong follow-through and time management
• Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders
• Able to handle sensitive information professionally
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data tracking

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and community members.  Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Occasional travel with students on field trips as necessary.  Attendance at evening and weekend student or staff activities, Parent Teacher Organization meetings, and other functions, as required.  Regular contact with staff members and parents/guardians is required.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.