Paid Internship - Marketing and Communications Intern

Our innovative team of cutting-edge non-profit professionals work in creative, high-energy open offices in state-of-the-art green facilities. The Urban Ecology Center’s facilities and programs have been recognized nationally and internationally for their innovative approach to sustainability, neighborhood-based urban environmental education, and community science.  The Urban Ecology Center serves socially and culturally diverse communities. We are committed to having a team of employees that reflect the richness and diversity of these communities. Application deadline is February 27th, with the interview cycle concluding no later than March 27th. 

The UEC’s Marketing and Communications Department will hire (1) Marketing & Photography intern for the summer of 2024.  Application review will begin on February 27th; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date.  The interview cycle should conclude no later than March 27th.  

Position Summary: As the Marketing & Photography Intern, you will capture stories, support our social media efforts, and create marketing materials to help the organization build awareness and share the impacts of our work. This position will experience the “nuts and bolts” of a dynamic, fast-growing nonprofit organization and will be responsible for documenting and photographing our summer activities including summer camps, field research, community programs, green building maintenance, and more. This position may work remotely but will require spending time indoor and outdoor at Riverside Park, Menomonee Valley and Washington Park branches as well. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Find, capture and create stories (photographic, video, written, and/or digital) about the activities going on at the Urban Ecology Center’s three branches during the summer. It’s a very active time; there will be lots to document!
• Photograph and film summer camps, volunteer programs, community science field research, community programs and other activities happening.
• Publish engaging content to the social media channels and possibly to the Urban Ecology Center’s blog. May require creating, soliciting and editing written content, photojournalistic stories or videos.
• Edit and organize digital assets including photographs, written stories or videos.

OUR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

• Our summer employment term runs from June 4 to August 24, 2024. Interns are paid a $1,100 bi-weekly stipend and allotted 3 days (24 hours) of PTO for planned vacation or sick days.
• You will attend training for the first two weeks of your experience, with opportunities for further learning & development throughout the summer. We host both a Summer Kickoff event and an End of Summer Celebration.
• You may have the opportunity to earn additional money by working as an attendant at our events (weddings, rentals, other parties, etc.)
• We nurture an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative workplace culture. 
• You will have the ability to attend all UEC events or programs at a low or no cost. Children of employees attend programming, including summer camps, at reduced rates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skills and Abilities

• Effective Communicator: you can articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding. The ability to deliver information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.

• Growth Mindset: You have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and incorporating feedback; you are optimistic about future opportunities. 
• Reliability and Agency: You build trust and exercise good judgment by meeting deadlines, delivering on commitments, prioritizing needs, and making considered and effective decisions.
• Efficient: You have strong attention to detail, are self-motivated, and are able to multitask. You are able to prioritize your work based on importance and urgency.

• You should have digital photography experience and social media familiarity (primarily Facebook and Instagram); competency with computers, audio-visual systems, printers and copiers. Prior experience with blogging, social media management, and video production is preferred.
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
• Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center's mission, vision, and values.

Experience, Education, and Certifications

• High school diploma or GED and some college coursework in photography, journalism, marketing, digital storytelling or another related field are required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations. Our summer programs are held primarily outdoors, so the work environment will be dependent on weather conditions. 
• Physical Requirements: Sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 25 pounds or less, Standing, walking, and bending for the majority of work hours.
• Equipment Used: Computer equipment, Google software
• Schedule: Standard business hours; Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.