STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern

Young World Physical Education

Harrisonburg (VA)

On-site

USD 23,000 - 32,000

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

Harrisonburg City Public Schools is seeking a STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The role supports statewide STEM ecosystem development, with duties in communications planning, data tracking, policy research, and grant support.

This paid internship offers 10-15 hours per week at $20.00/hour, non-exempt, starting immediately. The intern will collect and organize data in spreadsheets, help prepare partner materials, and assist with messaging and

Qualifications

Currently enrolled student in relevant field (see Preferred Qualifications).
Excellent writing/editing with professional tone.
Strong spreadsheet skills (Google Sheets or Excel).
Ability to organize and manage large datasets with accuracy.

Responsibilities

Support development of marketing and communications plan.
Create marketing/outreach materials (flyers, newsletters, templates).
Organize communication tools (email lists, partner updates, schedules).
Develop and maintain spreadsheet-based tracking tools for partners and hubs.
Track data on contacts, hub activity, attendance, grants, and regional initiatives.
Summarize findings for leadership, grants, and reports.

Skills

Strong writing and editing

Spreadsheet skills

Organizational skills

Research & summary

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student in Public Policy/Communications/Marketing/Education

Tools

Google Sheets

Excel

Canva

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Adobe tools

Job description

STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern

Harrisonburg City Public Schools District Wide - Harrisonburg, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position:

STEM Ecosystem Policy, Communications & Operations Intern

Reports to:

K-12 STEM Director and Executive Director of VA STEM Ecosystems

Contract:

10-15 hours/week (pending grant approval)

Salary Scale:

$20.00/hour

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Revised:2/2026

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.

Position Type: Temporary

Job Requirements

Contact Information