Corporate Communications And Public Relations Intern

Program Summary:

The Corporate Internship Program at Great Wolf is a 10-week program that provides college students with paid, meaningful experience that compliments their current coursework. Through an experiential and structured approach to learning, interns will gain hands-on experience with real-life work that is tied to the success of the team and Great Wolf's purpose of Bringing Joy to Families. In addition to meaningful assignments and working in a supportive business environment, students will be invited to participate in professional development opportunities, social activities to get to know fellow Pack Members and build relationships across other departments, and more. Students can expect regular mentorship and feedback to help develop the skills and experience that will position them to grow in their career area of choice. 

Internship Summary:

The Corporate Communications Intern will work alongside the Corporate Communications and Public Relations team, based out of Great Wolf Lodge’s Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside a dynamic team of Public Relations and communications leaders, and receive mentorship from the Vice President of Communications. In this role you will assist with Grand Opening media events for a new lodge openings in Naples, FL and Webster, TX, as well as a breadth of other opportunities to represent Great Wolf’s brand.   

Experiences You Will Gain: 

• Assist with two large-scale new lodge openings in Naples, FL and Webster, TX, including travel to both locations and assistance with press events and communications.
• Gain meaningful real-world experience with shaping and delivering messages that resonate with media and guests.
• Support new lodge openings by writing press materials, assisting with live broadcasts, pitching media, and assisting with event logistics.
• In addition to experience directly supporting lodge openings, you will have the opportunity to:
• Assist in developing a major summer earned media campaign
• Assist in developing press materials including press releases, media advisories, and pitch emails
• Track media coverage and prepare coverage highlights to be used for reports to leadership
• Evaluate and respond to incoming media and social influencer requests and assist with setting up individual media stays or media FAMs
• Update the media section of the Great Wolf Lodge website
• Provide real-time media/social monitoring in a crisis communication scenario
• Receive mentoring from the VP of Corporate Communications, who has 25+ years of hospitality PR experience.   

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s program focused on Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or similar (rising Junior or Senior preferred) 
• Unrestricted work authorization in the United States (sponsorship not provided) 
• Willingness to work in a hybrid environment out of the downtown Chicago corporate office 
• All employment offers contingent upon a successful background check 

Desired Qualifications & Traits

• Prior internship in PR or Communications role preferred
• Must have a positive attitude and be comfortable working independently.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, fluid environment
• Must be cognizant of deadlines, and take full responsibility for related workflow and deliverables.
• Flexible work schedule that includes nights and weekends as needed.
• Technical Skills:
• MS Office and PowerPoint proficient
• Ability to write utilizing proper AP-Style
• Mastery of prominent social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter and Pinterest.

About the Great Wolf Corporate Internship Program: 

• 10-week full-time program based in our Corporate Headquarters located in Chicago, IL 
• Work on a hybrid schedule (Mon/Fri optional work from home, Tues/Wed/Thurs in the office with your team) 
• Meaningful, business-driven assignments and projects 
• Regular mentorship and individualized performance coaching and feedback 
• Cohort-based onboarding and learning 
• Professional development opportunities  
• Social events and activities 
• Paid company holidays