University of Virginia is hiring: CIC Communication Assistant (Federal Work Stud

Communications Assistant

Community Investment Collaborative in partnership with Student Financial Services is recruiting an undergraduate federal work study eligible student to work in the role of Communications Assistant. CIC is located at 300 Preston Avenue Suite 206 Charlottesville Virginia 22902.

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, microlending, 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 as a Communications Assistant. Working at CIC is a unique opportunity for students to be fully involved in a local and diverse organization. Work-study students 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. CIC work-study students 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 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.

The Communications Assistant will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through assigned projects but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneurs in order to ensure full and ongoing support. Students will hone their communication skills through CIC's educational programs and stakeholder engagement and expand their knowledge of business throughout their internship.

Schedule:

The Communications Assistant will collaborate with the Development and Communications Coordinator 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 two to three 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.

Compensation:

The student will be compensated $15.00 per hour for a maximum of 10 hours per week.

The hiring manager request that a resume and cover letter be submitted for further consideration.

This position begins the week of August 26, 2025 and ends May 8, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications:

UVA student with Federal Work Study eligibility

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