Communications Intern

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Communications Intern 🔹 Company: Audubon 🔹 Location: Chicago, IL 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Intern 🔹 Category: Communications, Non-profit 🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) 🔹 Remote Status: On-site 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Supporting communications staff in daily media relations, social media, and internal/external communications projects. - Creating impactful content, including reported articles, blog posts, social media content, and factsheets. - Building awareness of Audubon Great Lakes' programs, conservation priorities, and policy efforts. - Networking with Audubon communications staff across the nation. ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed for first-generation undergraduate students majoring in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field, seeking hands-on experience in a non-profit setting. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Support Audubon Great Lakes' key conservation and policy priority projects, including coastal wetland restoration, grassland and marsh birds, Great Lakes, climate, and other advocacy initiatives. ✅ Draft blogs, press materials, talking points, social media content, and other promotional materials. ✅ Create content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and X) and assist in developing content calendars. ✅ Write articles and blog posts for Audubon Great Lakes' website and maintain the organization's blog and website. ✅ Assist in the development of newsletters, member emails, flyers, brochures, fact sheets, and other promotional materials. ✅ Network with Audubon communications staff across the nation to gain a better understanding of working at a large non-profit and career paths at Audubon. ✅ Other duties as needed and assigned. ASSUMPTION: The intern will have opportunities to join conservation members in the field or staff members at special events during the internship, depending on the organization's needs and the intern's interests. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Completed coursework and/or a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications/mass communications, marketing, or a related field. Experience: - Excellent verbal and written communication skills. - Ability to interview, research, and write compelling stories. - Experience managing Facebook and Instagram personally and/or on behalf of organizations. - A self-starter, motivated, and able to work in a decentralized environment. Required Skills: - Strong communication skills (verbal and written) - Ability to research and write compelling stories - Experience managing social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) - Self-motivation and ability to work independently - Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values Preferred Skills: - Experience with content management systems (CMS) - Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools - Knowledge of SEO best practices - Experience with project management tools ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having a strong interest in conservation, environmental issues, and birds would be beneficial for this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $17.50 per hour Benefits: - Opportunity to gain valuable experience in a non-profit communications role - Networking opportunities with Audubon staff and volunteers across the nation - Potential to join conservation members in the field or staff members at special events Working Hours: 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, with flexible start and end dates (likely June 2 - August 8, 2025) ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job title, location, and experience level. Benefits may include opportunities for professional growth and networking, but specific benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, etc., are not mentioned in the job description. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on conservation and environmental advocacy. Company Size: 11-50 employees (according to LinkedIn) Founded: 1957 (as Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm; Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of the National Audubon Society) Company Description: - Aullwood is a treasured resource in southwest Ohio, with a 200-acre sanctuary including six miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats. - Aullwood's education programs inspire, teach, and involve participants in conservation and environmental education. - Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of the National Audubon Society, focusing on conservation efforts in the Great Lakes region. Company Specialties: - Conservation and environmental education - Bird and habitat protection - Advocacy and policy work related to environmental issues Company Website: http://www.aullwood.org ASSUMPTION: As a non-profit organization, Audubon relies on donations, grants, and membership fees to fund its operations and conservation efforts. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Entry-level (Intern) Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Communications Manager of Advocacy. Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week) for 10 weeks. Growth Opportunities: - Developing a robust communications portfolio - Gaining experience in a non-profit communications role - Networking with Audubon staff and volunteers across the nation - Potential to join conservation members in the field or staff members at special events ASSUMPTION: While this is an internship position, there may be opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization for strong performers. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: On-site, with a flexible work arrangement that allows for remote work during the internship period. Office Location(s): 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH 45414, US (main office); 9101 Fredrick Pike, Dayton, OH 45414, US (additional location) Geographic Context: - Chicago, IL is the primary location for this internship. - The Great Lakes region is the focus area for Audubon Great Lakes' conservation and advocacy efforts. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, with flexible start and end dates (likely June 2 - August 8, 2025) ASSUMPTION: The work schedule may be subject to change based on the organization's needs and the intern's availability. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Submit your application through the provided link. 2. Complete any additional screening tasks or assessments as required. 3. Participate in one or more interviews with Audubon Great Lakes' communications staff. Key Assessment Areas: - Communication skills (verbal and written) - Storytelling and content creation abilities - Social media management experience - Motivation and self-starter attitude - Alignment with Audubon's organizational values Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Showcase your portfolio or samples of your work, if applicable. 3. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for conservation, environmental issues, and birds in your application materials. ATS Keywords: Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Social Media, Content Creation, Storytelling, Research, Writing, Networking, Collaboration, Advocacy, Community Engagement, Project Support, Digital Media, Public Relations, Inclusivity ASSUMPTION: As a non-profit organization, Audubon may have a less structured application process than corporate entities. However, it is essential to demonstrate your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role and the organization's mission. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Content management systems (CMS) - Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X) - Adobe Creative Suite or similar design tools (preferred) - Project management tools (not specified) ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the organization's needs and the intern's skills and experiences. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Care: Demonstrating empathy, respect, and compassion in all interactions. - Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and create a positive work environment. - Change: Embracing innovation and continuous improvement. - Integrity: Acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability. - Impact: Pursuing meaningful and measurable results. - Innovation: Encouraging creativity, experimentation, and calculated risk-taking. Work Style: - Self-motivated and able to work independently - Strong communication skills (verbal and written) - Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously - Comfortable working in a decentralized environment Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do my personal values align with Audubon's organizational values? 2. Am I comfortable working independently and managing my time effectively? 3. Do I have a strong interest in conservation, environmental issues, and birds? ASSUMPTION: As a non-profit organization, Audubon places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with its mission and values. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. The internship is for a limited duration (10 weeks), which may not provide long-term career prospects within the organization. 2. The role may require working on weekends or evenings to attend events or complete projects, depending on the organization's needs. 3. As a non-profit organization, Audubon may have limited resources for training and professional development compared to corporate entities. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Communications Intern vs. Marketing Intern: Both roles focus on creating content and promoting an organization's message. However, a Communications Intern may have more focus on media relations, public relations, and advocacy, while a Marketing Intern may focus more on market research, branding, and promotional campaigns. 2. Non-profit vs. Corporate Communications: Non-profit communications roles may have a stronger focus on advocacy, education, and community engagement, while corporate communications roles may focus more on branding, public relations, and investor relations. 3. Intern vs. Entry-level Position: Internships are typically short-term, unpaid or low-paid positions designed to provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Entry-level positions are permanent, paid roles that offer career growth and advancement potential. ASSUMPTION: The specific differences between similar roles may vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and specific needs. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Developing an Advocacy Toolkit for Audubon members and chapters on best practices for advocating for key issues with a focus on communications tactics. 2. Creating a content calendar for Audubon Great Lakes' social media platforms, including original posts and sourced photos. 3. Writing a series of blog posts or articles about Great Lakes conservation, policy, community engagement, and birds for Audubon Great Lakes' website. ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the intern may vary depending on the organization's needs and the intern's skills and interests. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days? 2. How does this internship fit into the organization's long-term communications strategy? 3. What opportunities are there for professional growth and development during this internship? 4. How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees? 5. What are the next steps for career advancement within the organization after completing this internship? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and it helps you make an informed decision about the opportunity. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: - Submit your application through this link. - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role. - Prepare a portfolio or samples of your work, if applicable. - Follow up with the hiring manager after one week to confirm receipt of your application and express your interest in the role. - Be prepared to participate in one or more interviews with Audubon Great Lakes' communications staff. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.