Communications and Outreach Intern

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire an intern in the Communications and Outreach Division.  The Communications and Outreach Intern is responsible for helping to develop and manage CMAP content in a variety of print and electronic formats and assisting community outreach and engagement with CMAP partners, stakeholders, and constituents. The position requires excellent attention to detail, writing and editing skills, familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, and some experience using social media, newsletter distribution, and web content management systems. The ability to think critically and work independently is essential. Over the course of the internship, the intern will work on projects across a variety of policy and local governance issues.

Job Code: COM2021

Essential functions

• Assist in writing, editing, and quality assurance of long-form reports, short-form policy briefs, and publicity materials.
• Help develop and implement distribution strategies for various CMAP publications and reports via printed materials and other communications outlets (e.g., e-blasts, social media, direct media outreach, stakeholder engagement).
• Generate short-form content for the CMAP website (www.cmap.illinois.gov), including assisting with CMAP’s weekly newsletters and writing social media content for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Help to prepare and distribute emails, press releases, and other news products.
• Help to document news coverage as well as maintain and improve the media contacts database.
• Help to develop and implement outreach and engagement strategies for CMAP events, such as workshops and forums.
• Assist with logistics and staffing for public engagement events, including virtual, in CMAP’s offices, and in regional locations.
• Support and at times participate in presentations and workshops for audiences including CMAP committees and external partners.
• Help maintain and expand CMAP’s community outreach database.

Knowledge, skills, and interests

The Communications and Outreach Intern must have excellent skills in writing and verbal communication. The position also requires a demonstrated ability to quickly understand and communicate complex policy issues. Familiarity with CMAP principles and ON TO 2050 is a plus. Another primary requirement is acute attention to detail, including mastery of grammar and style necessary when writing for various public audiences.

The intern must have proficiency with web and content management software and systems. Familiarity with HTML and other web languages is a plus but not required.

Applicants should submit two writing samples (e.g., press releases, fact sheets, articles, reports, and other published works).

Education and experience

• Undergraduate applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in fall 2021. Bachelor of arts degree in communications, English, media/public relations, journalism, or other communications-intensive discipline recommended.
• Graduate applicants must be entering their first or second year in fall 2021. Master of arts degree in communications, English, media/public relations, or journalism also encouraged. Prior work experience should include demonstrated excellence in writing and other communications in a team environment.

Internship timeframe: Depending on the student’s availability, this is a full-time summer position beginning in May or June 2021. It could potentially continue into the 2021-22 school year, but that is not guaranteed.  Minor start and end-date accommodations may be made upon request. This is a remote position and does not require residence in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Equipment: All or part of the work will be done remotely therefore interns will need access to a Windows computer, in good working order.  However, to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment, and create professional development opportunities for interns, we will support interns with specific technology limitations with the use of a CMAP issued laptop with the expectation that it be returned upon conclusion of the internship.

This job description in no way sates or implies that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification and accordance with applicable state and federal laws.