Academic Internship Program Specialist

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

2d•$80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Internship Program Specialist provides advanced coordination and leadership for student-facing academic internship processes that help undergraduate students navigate, secure, and complete high-quality, credit-bearing internships. The role advises students throughout the internship process, helps them understand pathways and requirements, connect with opportunities, complete placement steps, and enroll in academic internship courses. It also supports student outreach and represents the Academic Internships Office at campus events. The role may be hired at a senior level for candidates with advanced knowledge, skills, abilities, and autonomy. At the senior level, the position leads development and management of student-facing communication strategies, advising processes, and implementation efforts across the internship journey. It serves as an appropriate liaison with VCU Career Services and collaborates with academic units, employers, and internal staff to strengthen student access, consistency, and success. Senior-level responsibilities also include process improvement, advising leadership, documentation, and staff training and onboarding as needed. The position reports to the Director of the Academic Internships Office. It is based in the Office of the Provost, Academic Internships Office, Academic Affairs. The role requires recurring on-site presence, though remote work opportunities may be available at the supervisor’s discretion. The position is 40 hours per week. Salary is up to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong advising, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students, faculty, and campus partners.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from varied backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a VCU staff member.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in higher education, social work, counseling, student affairs, education, or a related field.
Experience advising students in higher education.
Experience with experiential learning, internships, advising, or career development.
Familiarity with academic processes and student support systems.
Experience collaborating across university units.
For senior-level designation, advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with a strong sense of autonomy.

Responsibilities

Advise students on academic internship pathways, eligibility, timelines, academic expectations, and processes.
Support students in communicating with academic advisors about internship connections to degree requirements and academic planning.
Help students navigate internship preparation, documentation, and required approvals.
Coordinate student connections with internship opportunities and support matching among students, employers, and academic units.
Help students identify opportunities aligned with their interests, goals, and academic requirements.
Communicate with students during placement to support timely progress and completion of required steps.
Track internship placements and course enrollment processes, and maintain accurate records of advising, placements, approvals, and completion.
Support documentation required for internship participation and academic credit.
Recruit students through outreach, presentations, and informational sessions; represent the office at campus events and fairs.
Assist in developing student-facing communications and informational materials.
Collaborate with office staff, academic units, and campus partners to support student access to internship opportunities.
Support implementation of advising practices and student support processes, office operations, and special projects.
At the senior level, develop, implement, and assess advising processes and strategies that improve student access, placement, completion, and workflow consistency.
At the senior level, monitor advising trends and recommend improvements to student support and access.
At the senior level, liaise with VCU Career Services and maintain communication with academic units about internship processes, student needs, and placement coordination.
At the senior level, support collaboration with employers and internal partners to align internship opportunities with academic expectations.
At the senior level, support communication systems, templates, advising resources, and tracking of participation, placement progress, and outcomes.
At the senior level, provide leadership and guidance in advising practices and process improvement, and support staff training and onboarding as needed.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned.