The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is seeking a creative and motivated individual to intern in its Communications Department. This is an excellent opportunity to build a writing portfolio and gain practical public relations experience while working at an active, upbeat non-profit.

We are currently seeking an individual with public relations or marketing experience to assist with our communications efforts. The Communications intern will directly assist the Communications team with a wide range of tasks related to social media, marketing messaging, video/podcast production, blogging, branding and event promotion. During her/his tenure, the Communications Intern will also have the opportunity to learn about HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.

The Communications Intern may work some hours outside of the office, but must be responsive and meet regularly with staff. This person will work closely with the Vice President of Communications and the Communications Coordinator.

This internship is designed to be both educational and practical. In this position, the intern will learn how to take skills she or he may have acquired in school related to his or her particular areas of interest, and apply them in a professional setting. He or she will gain a better understanding of the role played by non-profit organizations with respect to government relations, and be better prepared to work in the arena of communications, visual communication, graphic design, journalism, web design, public relations and marketing. The candidate will also have opportunities to network with program, policy, and development staff, and the broader community.

The Communications Intern will learn how to:

• Maintain and manage blog posts, users, and comments on a community-based website;
• Draft original blog postings within the context of a non-profit social justice organization;
• Use social media to promote community-based advocacy efforts;
• Document events using video and photography;
• Maintain photographic archives on Flickr;
• Maintain an up-to-date directory of media outlets and reporters for media relations & outreach;
• Integrate content into social media tools like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Qualifications:

• Current or recent enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in communications, visual communications, or public/media relations;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Innately curious and comfortable interviewing people;
• Previous photography experience (basic to intermediate OK).

This internship is unpaid (stipend available), however, AFC can help interns obtain college credit for their internship, where available.  The intern will receive necessary training and staff supervision.  In order to assure a meaningful learning experience we require a minimum of 15 hours/week for a minimum of 8 weeks, though longer internships are preferred. Communications, visual communication, graphic design, journalism, web design, public relations and marketing majors are encouraged to apply.

All candidates must submit a completed application, cover letter and resume and complete an application form, which can be found at: http://www.aidschicago.org/pdf/intern_application.pdf

In addition, submission of a writing sample (preferably from professional experience, but if not available academic samples are acceptable).

Please submit all application materials by September 30, 2010 to:

                Email:                    Interns@aidschicago.org

                Mail:                      AFC Intern Program, 200 W Jackson Blvd Ste 2200, Chicago, IL 60606

                Fax:                        (312) 922-2916