What are the responsibilities and job description for the Innovation Intern position at Smart Columbus?
INNOVATION INTERN
About Smart Columbus
Smart Columbus, an entity of the Columbus Partnership, is an agile, collaborative innovation lab that serves the Columbus Region by anticipating and advancing what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.
We seek to increase access to opportunity and an improved quality of life by promoting thought leadership on the future of cities, fostering an ecosystem of regional partners, and deploying human-centered technology in mobility, sustainability, digitalization, and urban technologies.
The Role
Innovation Interns at Smart Columbus work with program teams to support the design and implementation of civic innovation initiatives. After onboarding and learning about current programs, Innovation Interns are paired with projects that match their unique skills and interests. This may include research projects, human-centered design, graphic design, communications, data analytics, operations, community engagement or events. In addition, Innovation Interns are invited to participate in community events, meetings, etc.
You
The ideal candidate is passionate about leveraging innovation, research, and technology to drive positive change in communities. You are eager to learn, take on new challenges, and contribute to creative solutions that bridge ideas with real-world applications. Your interests may include research, data analysis, sustainability, digital equity, and community engagement. Regardless of your background, you are excited to explore how innovation can create meaningful impact within communities.
Reports to
Intern Manager
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Tell us what excited you most about this position and attach your resume in an email to careers@smartcolumbus.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Columbus Partnership is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. The Columbus Partnership requires all employees, vendors, and associates to support its nondiscriminatory policies.
About Smart Columbus
Smart Columbus, an entity of the Columbus Partnership, is an agile, collaborative innovation lab that serves the Columbus Region by anticipating and advancing what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.
We seek to increase access to opportunity and an improved quality of life by promoting thought leadership on the future of cities, fostering an ecosystem of regional partners, and deploying human-centered technology in mobility, sustainability, digitalization, and urban technologies.
The Role
Innovation Interns at Smart Columbus work with program teams to support the design and implementation of civic innovation initiatives. After onboarding and learning about current programs, Innovation Interns are paired with projects that match their unique skills and interests. This may include research projects, human-centered design, graphic design, communications, data analytics, operations, community engagement or events. In addition, Innovation Interns are invited to participate in community events, meetings, etc.
You
The ideal candidate is passionate about leveraging innovation, research, and technology to drive positive change in communities. You are eager to learn, take on new challenges, and contribute to creative solutions that bridge ideas with real-world applications. Your interests may include research, data analysis, sustainability, digital equity, and community engagement. Regardless of your background, you are excited to explore how innovation can create meaningful impact within communities.
Reports to
Intern Manager
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Analyze and interpret data to uncover insights, identify trends, and inform decisions that contribute to program success and community impact.
- Support research initiatives that explore new technologies and urban innovations to solve real-world challenges.
- Collaborate with teams to create technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Help maintain and organize program documentation, including toolkits, templates, and project updates.
- Provide logistical support for Smart Columbus events, workshops, and meetings, preparing materials such as presentations, reports, and handouts.
- Contribute to maintaining databases, dashboards, and other tools that support Smart Columbus's ongoing projects.
- Take on additional special projects and tasks as assigned.
- Undergraduate junior/senior or graduate student, open to all academic backgrounds/majors who have a passion for innovation.
- Comfortable with project management software and communication tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).
- Strong research skills, with the ability to analyze data, synthesize findings, and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- A deep interest in technology, urban innovation, and using data to drive social impact.
- Unique opportunity in an award-winning, entrepreneurial nonprofit located on the Scioto Mile.
- A team of teams. Smart Columbus is an entity of the Columbus Partnership, providing team members an opportunity to be a part of a bigger enterprise and connected to the work of the Columbus Partnership and One Columbus.
- Energetic and collaborative team passionate about making a difference in the community.
- Professional development opportunities.
Tell us what excited you most about this position and attach your resume in an email to careers@smartcolumbus.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Columbus Partnership is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. The Columbus Partnership requires all employees, vendors, and associates to support its nondiscriminatory policies.