CIC: Programs Research Assistant - Federal Work-Study (Student Wage) Hybrid Position

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 7,000 - 8,600; Full time

Job summary

The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is seeking a Programs Research Assistant, a project-based internship for an undergraduate UVA student. The role is based in Charlottesville, VA and will be hybrid.

Federal work-study eligibility is required. You will help build a research and recruitment pipeline for the Culpeper Orange Entrepreneur Workshop, support the Entrepreneurial Impact Manager, collect and organize data on resources and networks, connect with entrepreneurs and partners, and

Qualifications

• Interest in small business and entrepreneurship.
• Strong research and data collection skills.
• Ability to connect with entrepreneurs and partners via phone and email.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Build a research and recruitment pipeline for the Culpeper Orange Entrepreneur Workshop (COW).
• Support the Entrepreneurial Impact Manager with community outreach and research.
• Collect and organize data on resources, networks, and demographics.
• Engage with entrepreneurs and partners via phone and email.
• Assist with program recruitment and lead organization.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Data collection

Teamwork

Phone & email outreach

G Suite

Curiosity

Entrepreneurship interest

Education

Undergraduate UVA student

Tools

G Suite

Job description

**Federal work-study students only**

In Partnership with Student Financial Services Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is recruiting for a student undergraduate intern to fill the position of Programs Research Assistant. This position will be located at 300 Preston Ave #206, Charlottesville, VA 22902. This will be a hybrid position. Any students expressing interest in the position must be receiving federal work study funding.

Organization Description

The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a nonprofit organization that specializes in micro-enterprise development and offers micro-financing and business training to small and micro-enterprises in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. CIC’s mission is to strengthen the community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, financing, mentoring, and networking. CIC leverages community resources to provide capital and education to entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing funding from traditional sources and who seek an educational support system that is relevant to their business needs. CIC accomplishes this by providing loans and advisory support to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in the form of business training, one-on-one mentoring, and networking events. By supporting small business growth and expansion, CIC helps to create jobs and strengthen the local economy and community.

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.

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.

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

Schedule

The Programs Research Assistant will collaborate with the COW Entrepreneurial Impact Manager on a schedule that fulfills a 10hrs/week commitment. We request that the student work in the office at least 1 day per week.

Compensation is set at $15.00 per hour.

This position begins September 21, 2026 (or later) and ends May 14, 2027.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume and cover letter required.

Education: Current undergrad UVA student. Federal work-study elibility required.
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.