Internship - Communications - Fall 2024

Internship : Communications

Season : Fall 2024 (Approx Sept / Oct-Nov / Dec)

Location : Hybrid

Application Deadline : August 15 at 4pm CST

Department Overview :

The Communications Intern will play a critical role in supporting the External Affairs and Marketing department from the inside out by creating a strong base for staff knowledge while also contributing to elevating the voices of aquarium leadership.

Ideally a passionate writer with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, this position will contribute to the department (and beyond) by reviewing, researching, and writing key assets that strengthen Shedd’s mission and vision internally and externally.

This intern will gain real-world experience working collaboratively with the Public Relations, Marketing, and Government Affairs teams and learning leadership, organizational, and internal communications best practices.

The internship will culminate with a presentation on learnings and recommendations to support public speaking skill building and encourage growth as a communications professional

Learning Objectives :

• Develop stronger writing and editing skills and a stronger written portfolio.
• Think critically about methods and best practices for internal storytelling and communications.
• Utilize creative solutions to support Shedd’s leadership and research initiatives.
• Understand how the development of key internal communications assets support external goals and outreach.

Responsibilities & Projects :

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Develop a deep understanding of Shedd Aquarium's brand voice and tone.
• Support Shedd’s internal processes by assessing, organizing and assisting in the creation and navigation of accessing key resource documents for the External Affairs and Marketing department.
• Collaborate across departments at the aquarium to gather necessary information about the animals at Shedd, our facilities, research, initiatives, and more
• Ideate new and unique ways to engage Shedd staff through in-person meetings, digital communications and more.
• Support Shedd’s Centennial Commitment progress and staff knowledge through crafting monthly construction storytelling opportunities.
• Use a creative lens and editorial insights to review and edit brand documents that strengthen the knowledge and efficiency of the External Affairs and Marketing teams.
• Measure and report on success of communications strategies.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing internal newsletters, press releases, and marketing assets (social media, web copy, etc.).
• Help maintain an internal tracker of relevant leadership opportunities and research potential awards and other engagements for ongoing visibility.
• Perform relevant research to strengthen speeches, talking points, and other assets for aquarium leaders.
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications : Fields of Interest :

Fields of Interest :

• Public Relations & Communications
• Advertising and Marketing
• Copywriting and Editing
• Internal Communications

Skills / Characteristics :

• Demonstrated experience or understanding of internal and / or external communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, baseline knowledge about AP Style and preferably previous experience with copywriting and editing.
• Must be able to multitask, have excellent organizational skills, be deadline-oriented, have the ability to work independently, be energetic and have an eagerness to learn.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to work flexible hours including some early mornings, nights and weekends as necessary, as well as walk / stand for extended periods of time.
• Professional work ethic and demeanor.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.

Time & Compensation :

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $ per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 21 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule : Flexible during normal business hours, Monday-Friday.
• Set schedule based on intern availability.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply.

Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

Salary