Intern, SBIR & University Partnerships

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy.

The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Venture Development & Innovation Strategy team serves the Arizona entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a suite of programs that serve to engage and grow the innovation ecosystem community. In this role, you will support the logistics and execution of our university partnerships and grant activities. This internship is expected to run through December 2026.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support manager in administering Federally funded grant programs, including the SBA FAST program, and other federal programs designed to support small business and entrepreneurship.
  • Communications with grantees, providing information and direction on how to process their award.
  • Processing invoices and payment requests, including award agreements, W-9s and ACH forms, and filing documents in SharePoint.
  • Assisting with the numerous aspects of training programs, from setting up registration systems, virtual delivery, and email campaigns, to managing workshops and contributing ideas for delivery and improvement.
  • Assist in the regular reporting of metrics and reports to federal agencies, including requesting data from grantees and preparing reports under supervision.
• Manage and organize information in constituent services.
  • Act as a first point of contact: dealing with email correspondence and phone calls.
  • Organize information, contacts and data.
  • Track meetings/calls for weekly reports.
  • Create and maintain prioritized inventory of follow-up, critical tasks, high priority activities and deadlines.
• Manage databases and filing systems.
  • Maintain electronic and paper records ensuring information is organized and easily accessible.
  • Update and maintenance of program database and electronic files in SharePoint and Salesforce.
• Support manager with management of events and training activities.
  • Manage logistics for SBIR/STTR workshops as part of the scope of SBA FAST grant.
  • Manage logistics for SBIR Stakeholder meetings, keeping notes, and distributing information to members.
  • Manages activities related to Tech Transfer Roundtables, including monthly meetings and related events.
• Support manager in commercialization related projects.
  • Efforts related to the Quantum Consortium.
  • Efforts related to Office of Defense Innovation.
• Focus on follow up for projects/tasks with different team members including collecting status and project reports.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university and authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Possess a high degree of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Must be comfortable dealing directly with internal C-level executives.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands while exhibiting great attention to detail and quality control.
• Role continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Positive, independent, self-motivated, detail-oriented team player.
• Strong organizational, time management, and planning skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) including problem solving skills.
• Strong in MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Experience in using various kinds of web-based technology including video conferencing systems.
• Ability to work outside of regular business hours i.e., nights and weekends; the intern will work on average 20-29 hours per week.
• Compensation:
  • Undergraduate, freshman / sophomore- $18/hour
  • Undergraduate, junior / senior - $19/hour
  • Graduate student - $21/hour

HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity or experience working in public university settings
• Familiarity or direct experience with start-ups or small business ventures.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems.
• Demonstrated track record of building meaningful relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders and the ability to manage large-scale programming from concept through fruition.
• Self-starter interested in contributing to a dynamic and growing program with a non-traditional approach.
• Strong client service skills: ability to work well with individuals across diverse teams and cultures.
• Ability to work independently based on general guidance and experience and ability to work collaboratively.