Scholar Communications Intern

Chicago Scholars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,220,000 - 19,286,400; Part time

Job summary

Chicago Scholars is seeking a Scholar Communications Intern to help keep Scholars informed about opportunities, programs, and resources. The intern reports to the Associate Director of Scholar Communications and supports day-to-day execution of communications, tracks opportunities, and contributes a Scholar-centered perspective to marketing efforts across programs.

This part-time, hourly role pays $17 per hour with up to 15 hours per week, flexible to accommodate school schedules.

Qualifications

• Education: Completed at least first year of college.
• Experience: 0–2 years.
• Must be located in Chicagoland and commute to 141 W. Jackson Blvd.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft Scholar newsletters, emails, and texts using templates.
• Monitor opportunities and elevate requests to leadership.
• Liaise with staff and REACH intern to list opportunities.
• Support data management and Salesforce updates.
• Contribute ideas for newsletters and engagement content.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

College student – first year or higher

Tools

Outlook

Canva

Adobe products

Job description

Position Summary

The Scholar Communications Intern plays an important role in helping Chicago Scholars keep Scholars informed about opportunities, programs, and resources. This role reports to the Associate Director of Scholar Communications and supports the day‑to‑day execution of Scholar communications, assists with tracking Scholar opportunities, and contributes a Scholar-centered perspective to communication and marketing efforts across programs. The Scholar Communications Intern also works closely with the Career and Leadership Advancement team to support data management.

This is a part-time, hourly position without benefits. The rate per hour is $17, with an average of up to 15 hours per week, flexible to accommodate school schedules and heavy project periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft Scholar newsletters, emails, and text messages using templates and provided graphics.
• Monitor opportunities and requests shared by Chicago Scholars staff; elevate key requests to the Associate Director of Scholar Communications; liaise with the REACH intern to ensure all opportunities are listed on the REACH opportunities board.
• Serve as liaison between Chicago Scholars staff and Scholars for communication‑related outreach, including newsletter highlights, event promotions, and coordinating filming for videos.
• Contribute creative ideas for recurring newsletters and engagement content, such as Scholar spotlights, wellness features, and student‑centered resources.
• Participate in planning meetings with the Marketing and Communications team. Shadow the Associate Director of Scholar Communications as they develop strategies and analyze data.

Data Management

• In collaboration with the Career and Leadership Advancement team, update Salesforce database with current and updated career partner and Scholar information.
• Assist with database management related to marketing and communications campaigns, including updating and removing email and mailing addresses.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain archive of Scholar communications and materials.
• Collaborate with other Development and External Engagement interns on cross‑team projects.
• Occasionally work nights and weekends for career events and programming.
• Support administrative tasks and events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Capstone

The Scholar Communications Intern compiles a portfolio of their best work at the end of each internship term and participates in a presentation and conversation to discuss their learning and goals. This presentation is attended by the Marketing and Communications team, alongside other select staff members and interns.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop and refine skills related to communications and creative work, including receiving and implementing feedback; working collaboratively to achieve diverse goals; identifying and solving problems; and understanding and meeting the needs of an audience.
2. Gain an understanding of how marketing and communications strategy is developed and executed.
3. Learn how to interpret data from marketing and communications projects and use that data to adjust and improve future work.
4. Improve writing and communication skills.

Potential Learning Opportunities

Depending on the intern’s skills and interests, stretch projects may be assigned once a working relationship has been established. These projects might involve developing Scholar resources like handbooks and guides; conducting surveys or other research related to Scholar experiences; collaborating with other departments to develop projects and assets.

Requirements

• Education: Completed at least first year of college.
• Experience: 0–2 years.
• Must be located in the Chicagoland area and be able to regularly commute to the Chicago Scholars office at 141 W. Jackson Blvd.
• Excellent communication skills.

Technical Knowledge

• Outlook.
• Basic knowledge of design software like Canva or Adobe products.
• Flexibility and ability to take feedback professionally, not personally.

Core Competencies

• Accountability/Project Management: Effectively manages own work, and work of teams when relevant, ensuring delivery of high‑quality work.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Demonstrates awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Listens to ideas from others, even when different from own. Is careful to ensure all sides are heard reaching a conclusion. Shares time, energy and knowledge with others to ensure they can succeed.
• Communication: Communication is the ability to read and interpret information effectively, clearly articulate a plan of action, and influence others by way of written and verbal mechanisms.
• Adaptability: Ability to operate flexibly in changing contexts and operating environments. Ability to manage change effectively to support teams and reach intended goals.

AI Literacy & Engagement

Our team leverages AI to augment human creativity and enhance impact. In this role, you will be encouraged to experiment with AI tools to improve your work and drive efficiency. We seek individuals who demonstrate curiosity about emerging technologies and are comfortable integrating AI into everyday tasks. You will proactively identify areas of friction in workflows where AI can improve speed, quality, or insight, while maintaining a strong understanding of data security, privacy, and ethical considerations in AI use.

Starting Salary

$17 per hour, usually 15 hours per week. Part‑time hourly role without benefits.

Best Offer First Policy

Chicago Scholars offers its best offer first rather than waiting for a potential negotiation, setting salaries based on market data and internal equity to ensure fair and equal pay for every role.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter that explains your experience or interest in communications and marketing (e.g., content creation, writing, advertising, data analysis, etc.).