Business Development Intern

Position Classification: Federal Work-Study

Position Location: Monarch Card & Business Services (Card Center)

Supervisor: Marisha Jackson

Position Title: Business Development Intern

Position Description: The Business Development Intern supports Monarch Card & Business Services by assisting with the growth, promotion, and management of the Monarch Plus program. The student will help identify potential merchant partners, maintain relationships with existing merchants, and contribute to marketing and outreach efforts that enhance program visibility and engagement across the ODU community. For additional information, contact Marisha Jackson, m1jackso@odu.edu.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research and identify potential Monarch Plus merchant partners.
• Assist with merchant outreach, recruitment, and onboarding efforts.
• Maintain communication with existing merchants and support ongoing partnerships.
• Update and maintain merchant records, databases, and tracking spreadsheets.
• Assist with the creation and distribution of promotional and marketing materials.
• Support social media and campus outreach initiatives related to Monarch Plus.
• Collect and organize merchant and customer feedback to support program improvements.
• Attend departmental meetings and contribute ideas for program growth and engagement.

Learning Objectives:

• Communication – Student will develop professional written and verbal communication skills through merchant outreach, follow-up correspondence, and relationship management.
• Career & Self-Development – Student will gain experience in business development, marketing, and community engagement while exploring career interests and building professional skills.
• Critical Thinking – Student will analyze merchant participation, feedback, and program data to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Technology – Student will utilize Microsoft Office applications, databases, social media platforms, and other business tools to support program operations.
• Teamwork – Student will collaborate with Monarch Card & Business Services staff to support marketing initiatives, merchant recruitment efforts, and departmental projects.
• Professionalism – Student will demonstrate accountability, reliability, and professional conduct while representing the Monarch Plus program and interacting with community partners.

Qualifications of Student:

• Eligible FWS student who can provide proof of a Federal Work-Study award.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program (minimum 12 credit hours per semester).
• Be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in business, marketing, communications, or related fields.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools.

Length of Position, Hours, and Wages:

• Fall and/or Spring semester.
• Compensation: $14.00 per hour.
• Average of 8–12 hours per week.
• Student employees cannot work more than 20 hours per week.
• FWS students cannot work beyond their awarded funding amount.