MBA Summer Associate
Position Summary
Interested being on the ground floor of the “space race” of the 21st century? Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA) owns, operates and maintains the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), which is one of four public spaceports in the United States enabling vertical launch to orbit and one of only a handful of the most prominent operational spaceports on the international stage. The space economy has doubled the last 10 years, U.S. launch cadence increasing 33% since 2023 and anticipated to increase exponentially over the next decade. VCSFA is forecasting 10x scaling of operations and billions of dollars in future capacity investments. There is no more exciting place to have an impact.
This position is based out of either the VCSFA Headquarters office, Norfolk, VA, U.S. or the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), Wallops Island, VA, U.S.
General Description
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Strategy, the Management Summer Associate will provide professional-level staff assistance in strategy, operations, and financial work. Responsibilities will include project-based work and involvement with senior leadership personnel. This internship is intended to give candidates the experience and on-the-job training for higher-level management responsibilities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Work will primarily involve the Senior Director of Strategy, COO/Deputy Executive Director, the Chief Technology Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer.
2. Projects will include supporting the development of work products in one or more of the following areas:
a. Corporate strategy development
b. Multi-year strategic planning
c. Business process development
d. Operations forecasting
e. Budget forecasting and multi-year budget planning
f. Financial analysis (e.g., pricing, cost structures)
g. Organizational and enterprise risk management
h. Market and landscape analysis
3. Work with senior leadership to understand the key success metrics for the business.
4. Collaborate with operating teams to translate key success metrics into actionable insights.
5. Other duties as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this title. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. They are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Employment Standards:
General Education:
• College: Bachelor’s degree, Major: Engineering, business, or financial discipline
• Active status in an MBA-accredited program, or similar graduate degree program
Job-Related Experience: An equivalent combination of training and experience may substitute for a degree.
Certifications: N/A.
Licenses, etc.: Valid driver's license is necessary while operating a vehicle while on agency business. Must be able to transport themselves between VCSFA’s Headquarters office (located in Norfolk, VA) and MARS and its facilities (located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore near Wallops Island, VA).
Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug test.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for issuance of a federal agency credential (e.g., NASA).
• Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States.
Knowledge:
• Thorough knowledge of business management practices and the principles and practices of public administration.
• Considerable knowledge of budgeting and accounting, research techniques, methods and procedures.
• General operating knowledge of office equipment.
• Working knowledge of SharePoint preferred.
Skills:
• Effective verbal and written communication skills within all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and highly organized with attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and/or related programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Abilities:
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally, quantitatively, and in writing.
• Ability to partner effectively with others and establish effective working relationships with senior leaders, management, and co-workers.
• Demonstrated ability to address multiple projects simultaneously within established timeframes.
• Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a high-volume and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to conduct regularly scheduled meetings with SDS to communicate on-going work progress, issues, new developments and overall effectiveness.
Physical Demands:
Work is light requiring lifting of computer equipment and involves typical office behaviors as well as field work that may expose one to various weather conditions and chemical irritants. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in both an office setting and conducting field work, which may involve moderate discomforts which require special precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts or machinery, working with irritant chemicals, and various outdoor weather conditions.