Chicago Scholars Content Crew Independent Contractor

Chicago Scholars; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 1,405,000 - 1,488,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Scholars is seeking applicants for the 2026 Content Crew, a year‑long program to grow as content creators and contribute to the organization’s online presence. Members may write, shoot, edit, and design content for the website, newsletters, or social channels.

The program runs Sep 2026–Aug 2027; interns work about 15 hours per month as independent contractors at $17/hour, with occasional in‑person workshops in the Chicagoland area.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skill in content creation across media.
• Portfolio reflecting best work in any context.

Responsibilities

• Create and contribute content for Chicago Scholars publications and social channels.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Communications staff on planning and feedback cycles.
• Attend professional development workshops and term meetings as scheduled.

Skills

Content creation

Writing

Videography

Photography

Graphic design

Feedback handling

Time management

Job description

Description

Welcome to the 2026 Chicago Scholars Content Crew Application!

We're thrilled that you're interested in working with us as a member of the Content Crew!

Before you begin the application, please review the information listed below.

Program Description

The Chicago Scholars Content Crew is a year-long program that will support three current Scholars as they grow as content creators and contribute to Chicago Scholars’ online presence. Every month, the Content Crew will participate in planning meetings with Marketing and Communications staff; draft, submit, and respond to feedback on at least one quality piece of content; and respond to Chicago Scholars’ content needs as they arise. Once a quarter, Content Crew members and other CS interns will attend professional development workshops that will focus on skill-building and/or career exploration.

Content is intentionally undefined to encourage applications from Scholars with a wide variety of skills. If you can make stuff that would work for Chicago Scholars’ website, newsletters, or social media, we want to hear from you. Graphic designers, videographers, photographers, writers, and artists of all kinds are encouraged to apply.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, Content Crew members will:

• Build a portfolio of professional-level content that can be used to apply to other jobs and internships
• Develop a professional working relationship with Chicago Scholars staff
• Grow as a creative professional and better understand what it means to work in media and marketing
• Gain insight into how data and metrics are used to guide creative decisions in a marketing department
• Understand how to collaborate as part of a team and use an editorial calendar to inform creative decisions

Requirements

• Be a current Chicago Scholar in good standing
• Live and be present in the Chicagoland area year-round
  • Note that while much of the Content Crew’s work will be independent and remote, Content Crew members will be required to attend occasional in-person events and workshops
• Commitment to the entire 10-month program and to attending all scheduled workshops and meetings
  • Meetings will always be scheduled in advance
• Demonstrated skill in content creation
  • This can be any kind of content, including but not limited to: writing; videography and photography; photo and video editing; graphic design/visual art
  • Professional content creation experience is not required. If you move forward in the process, you will be asked to submit a portfolio that reflects your best work, no matter the context in which it was created
• Ability to take feedback professionally, not personally
• Strong communication skills
• Strong time management skills

Important Details

• Program runs from September 2026 to August 2027
• Content Crew members are expected to work 15 hours per month
• Content Crew members will be paid $17 per hour as an independent contractor (not a part-time employee); they are expected to track their time and regularly update a timesheet
• Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area full time and expect to remain in the Chicagoland area throughout the program
  • While we hope to accommodate college move-in, we understand some schools have early orientations or programs that start in the summer. Exceptions will be made for members who will start college outside Chicago in summer 2027.
• Monthly meetings will be scheduled according to members’ availability. Scheduling will be revisited at term breaks. It is expected that members will honor their commitment to these meetings once they have been scheduled.