Jobs

Project Internship: Programs Research Assistant (Intern)

A. Overview of Opportunity: 

CIC is looking for a student to join its team for a project-based internship as a Programs Research Assistant. In this particular position, the intern will contribute directly to the Programs Department by helping build a research and recruitment pipeline behind the Culpeper Orange Entrepreneur Workshop (COW) while also supporting the Entrepreneurial Impact Manager who serves those communities. Working at CIC is a unique opportunity for students to be fully involved in a local and diverse organization. 

The intern will gain hands-on experience through data collection and organization; researching existing business resources, entrepreneur networks, institutions, community demographics, and more; connecting with entrepreneurs and community partners; assisting with program recruitment; and organizing business leads. They can be assured of having a meaningful impact on the growth and development of a local community organization that supports small businesses.

B. Professional Development: 

The Programs Research Assistant will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through their assigned project and research, but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneur clients in order to ensure full support. Therefore, it will similarly have strong connections with the struggles and triumphs of business.

Students will learn the art of community outreach while also gaining a foundational understanding of business through hands-on work and research.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore other areas of CIC and broaden their understanding of how nonprofits and CDFIs work and support communities.  

C. Qualifications: 

• Interest in small business and entrepreneurship 
• Interest in helping individuals from low-income backgrounds 
• Interest in learning more about community outreach
• Strong research and data collection skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills 
• Comfortable reaching out to entrepreneurs and partners via phone and email
• Strong technology skills (G Suite in particular)
• Curiosity/interest in learning 
• Interest in working with others and in teams 

D. Schedule: 

The Programs Research Assistant will collaborate with the COW Entrepreneurial Impact Manager on a schedule that fulfills a 10hrs/wk commitment. We request that the student work in the office at least 1 day per week if possible. CIC understands classes are a priority, and as such, some flexibility with remote work is allowed as needed. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 206, Charlottesville VA.

E. Compensation: 

The student will be compensated $15.00 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours per week for the duration of the 2026-2027 academic year.

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to Operations Coordinator Sarah Gibbons at sarah@cicville.org. Questions? Feel free to contact Sarah for those, as well.  

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP

A. Overview of Opportunity: 

CIC is looking for a student to join its team as a Communications Assistant. Working at CIC is a unique opportunity for students to be fully involved in a local and diverse organization. Interns will gain hands-on experience in developing marketing materials, managing the website and social media, creating program literature, evaluating the success metrics of the organization’s programs and communications outreach, and researching organizational fundraising opportunities. They can be assured of having a meaningful impact on the growth and development of a local community organization that supports small businesses.

B. Professional Development:

The Communications Assistant will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through projects assigned but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneur clients in order to ensure full support. Therefore, it will similarly have strong connections with the struggles and triumphs of business.

Students will learn the art of communication through CIC’s education programs and stakeholder engagement, including writing, storytelling, interviewing, designing marketing materials (Canva, Adobe Suite, etc), and adapting messages for different audiences. They will also gain a foundation in business through training courses and hands-on client work, such as successful fundraising strategies, community impact measurement, researching businesses, and collecting information. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to explore other areas of CIC and broaden their skills beyond communications.

Students will hone their communication skills through CIC’s educational programs and stakeholder engagement and expand their knowledge of business throughout their internship.

C. Qualifications: 

• Curiosity/interest in learning 
• Interest in working with others and teams 
• Interest in marketing (social media, email newsletters, website management) 
• Interest in event planning and coordination 
• Interest in small business and entrepreneurship 
• Interest in helping individuals from low-income backgrounds 
• Strong communication skills 
• Strong writing skills, interest in grant writing 
• Strong technology skills (G Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva) 
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time 

D. Schedule: 

The Communications Assistant will collaborate with the Development and Communications Manager and the Chief Operating Officer to establish a mutually agreeable, required, and consistent schedule of 10 hrs/wk. We request that the student work in the office at least 2 days per week. CIC understands classes are a priority, and as such, some flexibility with remote work is allowed as needed. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 206, Charlottesville VA.

E. Compensation: 

The student will be compensated $15.00 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours per week for the duration of the 2026-2027 academic year.

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to Operations Coordinator Sarah Gibbons at sarah@cicville.org.