Economic Development Intern

The Economic Development Intern provides support to the Orlando Economic Partnership’s Innovation & Economic Development team, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Innovation & Economic Development.

The Innovation & Economic Development team works to strengthen the Orlando region’s competitiveness through business recruitment, retention and expansion, innovation initiatives, industry development and strategic economic development projects.

The intern will support the team through research, project coordination, meeting and event preparation, database management and other activities that contribute to the overall performance and efficiency of the department. This position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in regional economic development while working with businesses, community partners and regional stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts through research, data collection and project coordination.
• Conduct company, industry and market research to support economic development prospects, projects and strategic initiatives.
• Assist with the preparation of prospect meetings, company visits, site visits, events and other economic development activities.
• Develop company profiles, executive bios, background materials and briefing documents for meetings.
• Work with team members to gather and prepare meeting materials, including agendas, presentations, speaking notes and supporting information.
• Assist with tracking economic development prospects, projects and related activities within the OEP’s CRM system.
• Maintain and update company, prospect and stakeholder information to ensure data is accurate and current.
• Develop reports and assist with tracking economic development activity, outcomes and departmental performance.
• Support outreach and communications with businesses, partners and other external stakeholders.
• Assist with industry and innovation initiatives designed to strengthen key sectors and enhance the Orlando region’s competitiveness.
• Provide administrative and project support to the Innovation & Economic Development team as needed.

TEAM & PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

• Brings a positive attitude, passion and dedication to excellence to everything you do.
• Works collaboratively as a team player with colleagues across the OEP.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities.
• Takes initiative and demonstrates a willingness to learn.
• Pursues excellence with integrity, passion and courage.
• Embraces the OEP brand, mission and values.
• Demonstrates professionalism and respect in interactions with colleagues, investors, partners and community stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Experience with or willingness to learn CRM platforms and other business development tools.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and maintain excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with staff, businesses, investors and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to providing a high level of service.
• 
  

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The position is open to individuals at least 18 years of age who are currently enrolled in a university or college as an undergraduate or graduate student. Preferred areas of study include economics, economic development, business, finance, public administration, public policy, urban planning, real estate, marketing or a related field.

Candidates should be able to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.