Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Fall 2026 Internship
University City Partners
Internship
Closes on Sunday, November 1, 2026
Job Description
University City Partners (UCP) is a nonprofit organization that invests resources to shape public spaces and plan for a better-built environment that influences the way we live, work, play, stay, and learn in Charlotte’s University City.
University City Partners invites others to invest in the community through headquarters, small to midsize business, real estate, or home. Building University City is not only about developing the landscape, it’s about building relationships and a stronger, forward-moving community.
Our Mission: We envision and implement strategies and actions to drive University City’s long-term economic vitality as a center for employment, living, education, commerce, and entertainment.
Our Vision is for University City to be a vibrant place that is urban in scale and design. It will be energized by transit and will be a popular and accessible destination, offering diverse and unique choices for living, shopping, working, learning, and leisure. It will become a premier employment center in the region, with sophisticated infrastructure
and attractive amenities.
For more information, visit: universitycitypartners.org.
Scope of Work:
Position Overview
University City Partners is seeking a highly motivated graduate student to serve as a Graduate Planning, Policy & GIS Analyst Intern.
This position provides hands-on experience in economic development, land use planning, GIS analysis, development strategy, public policy research, and district transformation initiatives. The intern will support strategic planning and implementation efforts across University City and University Research Park (URP) while helping UCP build and maintain the data, intelligence, and analytical tools needed to support informed decision-making.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong combination of analytical, research, GIS, writing, and critical-thinking skills and is interested in helping shape the future growth and development of one of Charlotte's most important economic centers.
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Primary Responsibilities
GIS & Spatial Analysis
- Build and maintain GIS databases and mapping resources for University City and University Research Park.
- Create maps, visualizations, and spatial analyses to support planning, economic development, infrastructure, and placemaking initiatives.
- Support creation of district-wide mapping tools and planning resources used by staff, board members, and external stakeholders.
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District Intelligence & Planning
- Track development activity, rezonings, infrastructure investments, transportation projects, and major public and private investments throughout University City.
- Conduct demographic, economic, housing, transportation, and market analysis.
- Support development of district profiles, market reports, and economic development materials.
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Policy & Development Analysis
- Monitor planning, zoning, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives affecting University City and University Research Park.
- Attend meetings and public hearings as assigned
- Prepare concise briefing memoranda summarizing key decisions, opportunities and risks, stakeholder perspectives, potential impacts to University City, and recommended next steps for UCP
- Conduct policy research and best-practice analysis related toEconomic development and Land use planning
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Reporting & Data Visualization
- Develop dashboards, reports, presentations, and visualizations that translate complex information into actionable insights for presentations and marketing material.
- Support creation of data-driven storytelling tools that communicate district trends, opportunities, and outcomes.
- Reports To: Director of Economic Development & Land Planning
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Desired Qualifications
Required
Current graduate student pursuing a degree in:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Data Analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related fields.
Additional qualifications:
- Experience with ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information into concise summaries and recommendations
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
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Preferred
- Experience preparing policy briefs, research memoranda, or executive summaries
- Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization tools
- Familiarity with Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, or regional planning issues
Internship Dates: September 8,2026 - November 24, 2026
Interested students can email (business@universitycitypartners.org) University City Partners with the subject line “UCP Internship Inquiry” Please include a resume, your major, and why you are seeking this position.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The listed duties may be changed at the discretion of the incumbent’s manager/supervisor.
Internship 15 - 25 University City Partners