Federal Study - CIC Communications Assistant; Student Wage

Federal work-study eligible student only

In partnership with Student Financial Services Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is recruiting for a federal work study eligible candidate to fill the position of Communications Assistant. This position will be located at 300 Preston Ave #206, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

For further consideration a candidate must be receiving federal work study funding.

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.

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.

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.

• 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…