STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern

Harrisonburg City Public Schools•Harrisonburg, VA

8h•$22

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

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

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.