This 18-month fellowship, funded by the Rita Allen Foundation, (anticipated start: September 2026) is part of the Civic Science Fellows program and will support a research and practice-based project titled “Exploring Cooperative Extension as Civic Science Infrastructure for Food Systems Resilience.” The Fellow, with support and mentorship from the hosts, will lead the investigation into how Cooperative Extension systems across the United States function as civic science infrastructure. This work will examine science–policy collaborations between Extension professionals and local governments. The project details will be co-designed with the Fellow; however, we envision conducting a survey of Extension systems nationwide, followed by qualitative inquiry into successful science-policy collaborations addressing complex challenges issues related to food systems resilience.

During the 18-month period the Fellow will dedicate approximately 75 percent of their time (~30 hours/week) to their host institution project, and 25 percent (~10 hours/week) to shared learning and networking activities as part of the Civic Science program, including periodic convenings with a cohort of other Fellows across the nation.

The position is designed for an early-career scholar-practitioner, defined as someone within five years of earning a terminal degree, and interested in the integration of science and society, particularly around land-grant and Extension science-policy engagement.

Key Responsibilities

The Civic Science Fellow will:

• Co-design and lead the implementation of a multi-phase research project examining Extension–local government collaborations, including:

• Literature review on civic science and science–policy engagement

• National survey of Cooperative Extension systems

• Qualitative research (e.g., interviews, case studies)

• Generate original empirical data and analysis on how Extension supports community-informed, science-based decision-making for food systems resilience

• Contribute to the development of a capacity-building program supporting science–policy collaboration within Virginia Cooperative Extension and beyond

• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, Extension outputs, and presentations to academic and practitioner audiences

• Engage collaboratively with faculty, Extension professionals, community partners, and national networks

• Independently manage and execute a fellowship project aligned with program goals while contributing to broader institutional initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Earned terminal degree in a social sciences discipline such as food systems, agricultural education and/or extension education, community development, life sciences and/or agricultural communication, public policy, geography, sociology, or another position-relevant discipline. Degree must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.

• Experience conducting qualitative research and basic quantitative survey analysis

• Knowledge of food systems, food security, or resilience

• Demonstrated ability to engage professionally with diverse populations, including university, Extension, and community-based stakeholders

• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, local governments, or community-based organizations

• Experience working both independently and collaboratively with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in an aspect of civic science such as science-policy engagement, organizational partnerships, community-engaged research, and/or science communication

• Demonstrated experience translating research findings into applied curricular or Extension training resources

• Demonstrated experience publishing professional scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications, grant writing, or other applied and scholarly outputs

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

53,550-65,029

Hours per week

40

Review Date

06/28/2026

Additional Information

This position will be hybrid, with a minimum expectation of 1 campus visit every 6 months for a total of 3 visits.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lia Kelinsky-Jones at liak9@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Business Community Engagement and Marketing Intern (Part Time)

Reports To: 

Business and Community Engagement Director And Marketing and Communications Manager

Organizational Background: 

Ballston Business Improvement District (BBID) ensures Ballston’s status as a premier business destination where top companies and talent choose to

locate and grow. Guided by our mission, we create a dynamic and interconnected urban hub where defense, technology, education, and hospitality converge. Our vision is to foster a vibrant and accessible community that champions innovation, sustainable growth, and collaboration. Through strategic programs, events, and initiatives, the BBID enhances Ballston’s appeal as a place to live, work, and thrive.

Position Overview: 

The Business Community Engagement and Marketing Intern supports the

Director of Business & Community Engagement and the Marketing & Communications Manager in advancing the BID’s partnerships, programs, and district initiatives. The role assists with business outreach, community engagement, event coordination, content creation, and digital marketing efforts that promote Ballston’s businesses and activations. The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and interested in community building, storytelling, and supporting marketing initiatives that enhance the visibility and vibrancy of Ballston.

Responsibilities

Business & Community Engagement:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of business engagement activities, community events, and BID activations.

• Provide onsite support for events, including setup, teardown, transporting materials, assembling displays, photography, and managing logistics.

• Conduct outreach to current and prospective Ballston businesses, community partners, property owners, and key stakeholders, including database management.

• Assist in measuring, tracking, and reporting the impact of programs, activations, and initiatives

Marketing & Communications:

• Support social media coverage, content planning, post-event recaps, and the management of the content calendar to highlight BID programs and storytelling initiatives.

• Assist with launching seasonal digital campaigns and other targeted marketing initiatives.

• Contribute to the creation of outreach materials, presentations, and reports.

General Support:

• Provide general administrative support to the Ballston BID team as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the BBID team.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail

• Excellent organizational and time management abilities

• Comfortable engaging with a variety of stakeholders from business owners to community leaders, and the public

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team environment

• Flexible schedule with availability for occasional evening and weekend events

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google and graphic design application tools like Canva and CapCut

• Interns are expected to work on-site at the BBID office located at 4075 Wilson Blvd for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Specific hours will be coordinated with BBID team.

How to Apply:

Send your resume and cover letter to info@ballstonbid.com with the subject line “Business & Community Engagement Intern by June 12, 2026.

Compensation:

Interns will receive a monthly stipend

Work site location: Town of Blacksburg, VA

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VISTA will provide capacity to expand housing access to those who face the greatest barriers to stable housing by identifying small scale rental properties, implementing successful landlord engagement models, developing a suite of educational, outreach and marketing materials for landlord engagement, developing relationships with property managers, and organizing regional events. 

Work site location: Town of Blacksburg, VA

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Position Requirements:

• Service Term: August 10, 2026 - August 9, 2027
• Work Schedule: Full time, In person
• Education Level: Associates Degree
• US Citizen / Legal Permanent resident
• Pass criminal history check

Benefits:

• Bi-Weekly living allowance
• Health Coverage
• 80 hours of sick leave, 80 hours vacation
• End of service Educational Award or cash stipend
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE Status on completion of service
  
• Possible relocation and child care allowances

Location: Town of Davidson - Town Hall, NC

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 202300067

Department: Planning

Opening Date: 05/05/2026

Closing Date: 5/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

INTRODUCTION

Davidson, NC is known throughout the state/southeast as a leader in design-based planning. The town offers a real-life planning laboratory where advanced planning theories get tested and implemented through meaningful projects. Staff work in a collegial, highly-collaborative environment based on mutual respect and a passion for public service – all within the context of a historic college town emphasizing thoughtful growth, mobility and housing choices, and dedicated civic engagement. Personal and professional development opportunities are prioritized alongside a full array of employee benefits, mentoring, and work/life balance.

Motivated applicants with excellent attention to detail and a demonstrated interest in planning are invited to apply to become a part of this award-winning team. The Planning Technician will be responsible for customer interface, permitting, and offering departmental support in drafting/maintaining development codes, ordinances, and procedures. Progressive increases in contributions and responsibilities over time are expected, with proven performance earning more advanced development project assignments and growth opportunities.

SUMMARY:

Performs moderate level planning, administrative work, research, ordinance revisions, permit and subdivision/site plan review, and communications/web page management for the Planning Department.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

An employee in this class shall possess a general knowledge of public sector planning, manage office organization, and perform a variety of administrative functions. The position is the first point of contact with the public, requiring excellent communication skills and knowledge of development codes, ordinances, and procedures. This employee assists departmental staff with projects, including research, communication through correspondence and the web site, and general office duties. This employee provides support for planning ordinance revisions and updates. Work is performed independently under regular supervision by the Planning Director or their designee, in a collaborative and facilitative working environment. Work is evaluated through conferences, feedback and review of deliverables and outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to performing other related duties as required, the employee shall carry out the following activities:

Administrative:

• Perform skilled administrative work for the department manager and planning staff.
• Coordinate and manage department appointments, schedules, meetings, conferences, and assist with logistics for public meetings and other planning department functions.
• Maintain and manage department plans, plats, records, databases, forms, logs and files, updating both electronic and paper file management systems as necessary.
• Upload and maintain the planning department web pages, including news, calendars, agendas, minutes, development projects, planning projects, data informing metrics/dashboards, and general information.

Communications:

• Respond to queries from citizens regarding ordinances, policies, procedures, permits, and general information. This includes receiving calls and walk-in visitors as the department’s first point-of-contact.
• Type and send routine letters of correspondence, emails, and memos, proofreading them for accuracy.
• Understand meeting action items and accurately convey information to colleagues and the public.
• Coordinate legal notices for public meetings and ordinance amendments.
• Prepare presentations and cogently present information to staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Planning & Development:

• Review and administer building, sign, and zoning permit applications/verification letters to ensure compliance with ordinance requirements. Perform exempt subdivision, minor subdivision, and site plan reviews.
• Coordinate code enforcement activities, liaising with the code enforcement officer and community stakeholders to successfully and expediently address issues.
• Prepare and maintain application packets, both paper and electronic, to guide developers through the planning processes and track development projects through each procedure.
• Research planning-related topics and best practices using the internet, state statutes, planning sources, municipal and county codes and ordinances, providing actionable feedback to colleagues and the public.
• Research and prepare recommendations for ordinance or code amendments, policies, and procedures for planning ordinance committee and board consideration.
• Attend public meetings, occasionally presenting, and assist other planning staff liaisons in the preparation and execution of meetings as appropriate.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Administrative:

• Ability to work proficiently in the Microsoft Office suite and with contemporary digital tools, including but not limited to: Setting appointments; creating and hosting virtual meetings; posting information to websites; designing materials in Canva; and utilizing shared folders/documents such as OneNote, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
•  Ability to multi-task, effectively prioritize work, promptly and accurately answer questions, and independently solve problems.
• Ability to organize and maintain electronic and paper records and documents.
• Ability to type with accuracy at a minimum of 40 words per minute without typing errors, and correct spelling, grammatical structure, and punctuation.

Communications:

• Ability to gather knowledge and give detailed information and instructions to the public regarding department programs, boards and committees, processes, and functions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, state and county government officials, community stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to provide leadership and facilitate discussions and meetings, presenting in organizational and public settings when appropriate.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills, including technical writing.

Planning & Development:

• General knowledge of planning principles and the ability to learn and accurately apply relevant local, state and county laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and policies through permitting and development review exercises.
• Ability to research, give input, and draft ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze documents, operate a computer terminal and do occasional reading.

Desirable Education and Experience:

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Four-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with coursework in planning, urban design, landscape architecture, public administration or related field and administrative experience in planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to independently manage deadlines, with strong work ethic and initiative, and pursue process improvements and innovations.
• Demonstrated interest in planning and the principles underlying the Town of Davidson.
• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Cloud and/or GIS.

Special Requirements:

• Requires possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

The Town of Davidson Planning Department encourages and supports opportunities for personal and professional growth, including attainment of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credential.

Start/end dates are flexible within June and August.

Agency: Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC)

Job#: ELT-OEEC-26000 (Work Student III)

Hours: Approximately 30 hours per week

Hourly Salary: $21.10 - $27.63/hour. Rate and position class will be based on experience and qualifications.

This is a short-term, full-time summer internship from June through August. The position supports activities within the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) including the implementation of the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), Operational Energy Strategy (OES), and Resilient Fairfax, the county’s climate adaptation and resilience plan. The Work Student III position provides technical support, develops informational and educational outreach materials, and participates in community engagement activities.

To hear about the internship from past interns with OEEC, read their blogs: 2023 Intern blog, 2024 Intern blog, and2025 Intern blog.

Work description:

Primary responsibilities include:

Supporting climate plan data management by assisting with data entry and performing quality checks for climate databases. This may also include testing functionality of tools, GIS analysis, and climate data collection and visualization.

Additional work may include:

• Assisting with implementation of climate action plans including CECAP, OES, and Resilient Fairfax. This may include assistance with internal and external coordination meetings, and conducting research on energy, climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience related topics.
• Supporting the preparation of education and outreach activities and materials for residents. This may include opportunities to conduct community outreach.
• Performing other duties as assigned relating to environmental and energy coordination.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education

Preferred Education and Experience

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in field related to the assigned functional area including environmental studies, environmental science, urban planning, global sustainability, natural resources, or a similar field.
• Experience with GIS, data analysis, and working with large data sets
• Proficient communications skills, including written, digital, and verbal communications
• Familiarity with primary and secondary source research

Physical Requirements:

• This position is primarily sedentary. However, the employee must be sufficiently mobile to attend meetings. The Employee may be required to lift and carry up to 15 pounds. Accommodations can be made in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• The employee must be able to work with electronic equipment such as a computer monitor and keyboard.

Special Requirements: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to: OEECinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov with the subject line “(Your name) – Summer Intern Application 2026.” For example, if your name is Jane Doe, the subject line of your email should be: Jane Doe – Summer Intern Application 2026. Deadline for applications is 5/19/2026.

EduTrack: Tracking Education Pathways and Social Policies is a 6-year interdisciplinary project between the MPIDR, the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science, and coordinated by Population Europe. The project aims to generate scientific evidence, to disseminate expertise, and to promote policy dialogue on how education and knowledge transfer in different settings and over different life courses contribute to individual and societal well-being and resilience. Within the project, the MPIDR leads the research area on the bi-directional relationships between sociodemographic circumstances and educational trajectories. The geographic scope of the project is not tied to any specific region.

We welcome applications on any topic at the intersection of demography and education, and encourage everyone with a fitting and ambitious research agenda to apply. The project will fund four full-time dedicated postdocs, and is embedded in a broader working group that cuts across research groups and departments at the MPIDR. A willingness to collaborate across disciplines is essential. Strong quantitative skills are required, as is knowledge of R, Stata, Python, or other relevant programming language.

We are looking for candidates with strong experience in experimental or computational social science methods who are interested in applying these approaches to questions of climate change, decision-making, and long-term governance.

The postdoc will play a central role in developing and implementing the study and will have substantial intellectual ownership, including opportunities to lead publications.