📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graphic Design & Marketing Intern
🔹 Company: Chicago Public Media
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid workplace)
🔹 Job Type: Intern
🔹 Category: Marketing & Design
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Gain practical experience in graphic design and marketing
- Work closely with the marketing team on branding and creative campaigns
- Assist in the creation of creative campaigns from concept to execution
- Learn and apply skills in a professional environment
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or seniors in graphic design, visual communications, or related fields seeking real-world experience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Work with the marketing team to gain experience in branding, graphic design, and marketing strategies
✅ Assist in the creation of creative campaigns from concept to execution, including:
- Templating
- Layout design
- Social media asset creation
- Print, digital, video, and physical assets
✅ Learn and apply skills in a professional environment
ASSUMPION: The intern will be expected to work 24 hours per week and must be able to work from the office at Navy Pier in Chicago.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: College seniors or recently graduated from graphic design, visual communications, or related fields
Experience: None required, but relevant coursework or projects are a plus
Required Skills:
- Proficient with Adobe CC applications (PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
- Figma
- Creating animated GIFs
- Google Workspace
- Canva or other design platforms (e.g., Procreate)
- Creativity
- Organized
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in typography, graphic design, and layout
- Adobe After Effects
- A/B testing in design decisions
- Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram)
- Branding experience
- Managing multiple projects
- Video editing
- Social media
ASSUMPTION: A design portfolio or work samples is required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $15,000 - $18,000 (pro-rated for 24 hours/week)
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Vacation
- Holidays
- Life Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Retirement Savings
- Commuter Benefits
Working Hours: 24 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for internships in graphic design and marketing roles in Chicago.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1990
Company Description:
- Chicago Public Media is one of the largest and most respected public media organizations in the country
- Supports and stewards accessible, trusted news and information
- Provides substantive news and insights, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful connections to diverse audiences
- Engages with listeners and users across multiple platforms, including broadcast radio, newspaper, news websites, and mobile apps
- Flagship brands, the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ Chicago, provide local and national news coverage to over 4.5 million people weekly
Company Specialties:
- Public media
- Radio
- Documentary
- News
- Public affairs reporting
- Podcast
- Chicago
- Journalist
- NRP
- And publicradio
Company Website: chicagopublicmedia.org
ASSUMPTION: Chicago Public Media is a non-profit organization with a strong commitment to public service and community engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Manager
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (24 hours/week on-site at Navy Pier in Chicago)
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain practical experience in graphic design and marketing
- Learn and apply skills in a professional environment
- Potential for full-time employment after the internship, depending on performance and organizational needs
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide a well-rounded experience in graphic design and marketing, with the opportunity for growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site and remote work)
Office Location(s): 848 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois 60611, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL
- Hybrid workplace with a focus on in-person collaboration
- Accessible by public transportation
Work Schedule: 24 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The intern must be able to work from the office at Navy Pier in Chicago and have a flexible schedule to accommodate team meetings and events.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio or work samples
- Graphic design and marketing skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication and collaboration
- Adaptability and problem-solving
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Include a link to your portfolio or work samples in your application
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, and company culture
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the organization
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Marketing, Adobe CC, Figma, Portfolio, Work Samples, Internship, Chicago Public Media, WBEZ, Chicago Sun-Times
ASSUMPTION: Chicago Public Media uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can improve your chances of being seen by the hiring team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe CC (PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
- Figma
- Google Workspace
- Canva or other design platforms (e.g., Procreate)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram)
ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to use these tools and technologies in their day-to-day work and may be required to learn new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Public service and community engagement
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous learning
- Accountability and transparency
Work Style:
- Hybrid workplace with a focus on in-person collaboration
- Flexible scheduling options
- Supportive and inclusive team environment
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Chicago Public Media's commitment to public service and community engagement?
- How do you approach working in a hybrid workplace environment, and what do you expect from your colleagues?
- How do you handle feedback and criticism, and how do you use it to improve your work?
ASSUMPTION: Chicago Public Media values candidates who are passionate about public media, committed to serving the community, and eager to learn and grow in a collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines
- Managing multiple projects and priorities
- Adapting to changes in workflow and team dynamics
- Balancing in-person collaboration with remote work
- Navigating a large organization with multiple departments and teams
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on both graphic design and marketing for a public media organization
- Similar roles may be found in advertising agencies, marketing firms, or other media companies
- Career paths may include graphic designer, marketing coordinator, or similar roles in related industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a well-rounded experience in graphic design and marketing, with the opportunity for growth and development in a unique and dynamic environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing promotional materials for WBEZ radio shows or podcasts
- Creating social media graphics for the Chicago Sun-Times
- Assisting in the planning and execution of events or campaigns
- Developing branding guidelines for new initiatives or projects
ASSUMPTION: These projects are designed to provide a well-rounded experience in graphic design and marketing, with the opportunity to work on high-profile and impactful projects.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and design strategy for the organization?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the team and the organization?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate to ensure projects are completed on time and to a high standard?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the team or the organization, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization and can help you better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Include a link to your portfolio or work samples in your application
- Prepare for phone or video screening and in-person or virtual interviews
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
