Communications Intern

The Illinois Prison Project (IPP) is a nonprofit organization in Chicago that seeks to reduce mass incarceration by providing legal services to individuals incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections. IPP focuses on novel and creative approaches to prison reduction and engages in public education, advocacy and direct legal representation.

The Illinois Prison Project seeks a dynamic, detail-oriented, organized, and energetic Communications Intern to join us. This intern will support the Communications Team in developing messaging for our online platforms, pitching and executing ideas for both internal and external purposes, creating visual content including graphics and video, and assist IPP’s Communications Manager in content calendar operations. IPP requires all team members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Although the team has a hybrid in person/remote work environment, IPP requires this position to visit the office two days each week during their entire internship to help with in-office tasks. If no school funding is available, IPP commits to funding all intern positions with a $1,500 monthly stipend with the expectation of working 20 hours per week from September 3, 2024 - May 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be asked to pursue school funding if available.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in creating engaging content for IPP’s social media platforms, website, and email newsletters.
• Help maintain a content calendar to ensure timely and relevant updates across all communication channels.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to produce visual content, including graphics, infographics, and videos.
• Monitor IPP’s social media accounts and engage with followers by responding to comments and messages.
• Analyze social media metrics and provide regular reports on engagement, growth, and trends.
• Support the development and implementation of social media campaigns to enhance IPP’s online presence.
• Draft and edit blog posts, press releases, articles, and other written materials.
• Assist in identifying and cultivating relationships with media contacts and influencers.
• Support the organization and promotion of press events, webinars, and public forums.
• Monitor media coverage and compile press clippings related to IPP’s work.
  Help manage and update press lists and media contact databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Available to work 20 hours per week from September 3, 2024 - May 30, 2025 during normal business hours (which are Monday through Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am - 12:30pm);
• Able to visit the IPP office (located in the Loop) for at least two days each week during normal business hours (listed above);
• Experience in content creation, social media management, or public relations.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Is exceptionally detail-oriented and organized;
• Has excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to compose, edit, and proofread materials;
• Has a reliable laptop computer;
• Has previous experience working with printers and scanners;
• Exhibits independence and self-initiative;
• Has prior professional and/or lived experience related to experiencing incarceration and/or working to end incarceration;
• Is motivated to learn more about Illinois' criminal legal system; and
• Has a deep commitment to criminal legal change in Illinois and social, economic, and racial justice.
   
• Location: Candidates must live in the Chicago area for the entire duration of the internship. This position provides a hybrid work environment, including working remotely and out of IPP’s office at 53 West Jackson Blvd in Chicago, IL at least two days each week.

Reports To: Communications Manager

Compensation: Successful applicants will be asked to pursue school funding if available. If no funding is available, IPP provides all academic year interns a monthly stipend of $1,500 with the expectation of working 20 hours per week from September 3, 2024 through May 30, 2025.

Illinois Prison Project is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Illinois Prison Project believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

How to Apply:

• Please DO NOT apply via Handshake. 
• Please submit a resume and cover letter as PDF documents via email to hiring@illinoisprisonproject.org with “Communications Intern” in the subject line. some text
• Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.
• Within your cover letter, please include a rough schedule that you’re able to commit to for the duration of the internship. Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.
• Applications will be accepted until July 17th and reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Due to the large volume of applicants, we will not be able to reply to individual emails about an applicant’s status. No phone calls, please.