Primary Purpose:

This intern position will serve as a part-time role focused on accelerating the growth, market reach, and adoption of software products, services, and programs developed or offered by Region 16. The primary responsibility will be supporting various internal teams—including Software & Development, AI & Innovation, Employee Experience, Marketing, and Escalate, among others - in identifying, researching, and engaging potential clients. This role offers hands-on experience in sales development, customer research, and cross-departmental collaboration, with a specific focus on introducing Region 16 offerings to other Education Service Agencies (ESAs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and small businesses both within and outside of Texas.

This position will be part time consisting of up to 19.5 hours per week. For students still enrolled in a college or university, the fall and spring interim student hours will be flexible with the student's schedule.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification:
  • A high school diploma or GED required
  • Current enrollment or recent graduation from a higher education program preferred
• Skills:
  • Outreach & Communication: Comfort with conducting both cold and warm outreach via phone, email, and professional channels. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • CRM & Technology: Familiarity or willingness to learn Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, specifically HubSpot.
  • Customer Research: Ability to research prospective customers to identify key decision-makers and gather market intelligence.
  • Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Strong ability to build rapport with external clients and collaborate effectively across multiple internal departments.
  • Adaptability: Ability to quickly learn the features and value propositions of various software products, educational services, and programs.

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate occasional regionwide and/or statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Conduct market research to identify prospective Education Service Agencies (ESAs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and small businesses within and outside of Texas.
2. Monitor social media channels and online communities (like educational forums or LinkedIn groups) to identify discussions, trends, and organic lead opportunities.
3. Execute cold and warm outreach campaigns via email, phone, and other communication channels to generate interest in ESC software, services, and programs.
4. Develop a strong understanding of Region 16 software, services, and programs to effectively explain value propositions and answer initial customer questions.
5. Qualify prospective customer interest and coordinate a smooth handoff to the appropriate internal team member for product demonstrations, detailed discussions, and sales follow-up, ensuring all relevant customer information is communicated effectively.
6. Utilize CRM to track leads, document customer communications, and manage the outreach pipeline efficiently.
7. Collaborate with Software & Development, Marketing, AI & Innovation, Escalate, and other departments to align sales efforts with organizational goals.
8. Gather and document customer feedback, pain points, and market needs to help internal teams improve products and services.
9. Assist in creating or tailoring outreach materials and product/service descriptions for target audiences.
10. Assist in optimizing email marketing campaigns, including A/B testing subject lines, tracking open/click rates, and managing subscriber lists within the CRM or marketing automation tools.
11. Assist with the creation of short-form video content or simple screen-record tutorials demonstrating how to use specific ESC software features.
12. Maintains open communication and confidentiality with current and potential customers.
13. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
14. Reports for work, ready to perform responsibilities.
15. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
16. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
17. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
18. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
19. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and proceedures.
20. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
21. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
22. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary : $20