Marketing & Public Relations Internship (unpaid)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Shore Community Services

For more than 75 years, Shore Community Services ( has provided life-changing services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout northern Cook County. Shore’s programs focus on independence, employment, residential services, community inclusion, and lifelong support.

Position Summary

Shore Community Services is seeking a creative, organized, and mission-driven Marketing & Public Relations Intern to support communications, community engagement, fundraising events, and brand visibility efforts. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing, storytelling, social media strategy, public relations, and event promotion while supporting an organization that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

The intern will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer to gain practical experience in nonprofit communications, donor engagement, media outreach, and digital marketing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with creating and scheduling social media content across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok
• Draft marketing copy for newsletters, flyers, email campaigns, and website updates
• Help maintain Shore’s brand voice and visual identity
• Support creation of graphics using Canva or similar design tools
• Capture photos and video content at programs and events
• Assist with press releases, media advisories, and community announcements
• Research local media outlets, influencers, and community partners
• Help coordinate community outreach and awareness campaigns
• Track media mentions and engagement analytics
• Support storytelling efforts featuring participants, families, staff, and volunteers
• Assist with promotion and marketing for fundraising events including Shore’s gala, golf outing, Giving Tuesday, and community events
• Organize marketing files, photos, and communication calendars
• Conduct research on nonprofit marketing trends and best practices

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Graphic Design, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools preferred
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects
• Passion for nonprofit work and disability inclusion preferred

Preferred Skills

• Photography or video editing experience
• Experience creating social media reels or short-form video content
• Basic understanding of branding and public relations
• Comfortable interviewing individuals and helping tell mission-driven stories

Learning Opportunities

• Nonprofit marketing strategy
• Public relations and media outreach
• Event marketing and fundraising communications
• Social media analytics and audience engagement
• Mission-based storytelling and advocacy communications

Internship Details

• Flexible schedule based on academic requirements
• Hybrid opportunity with some onsite work in the northern Cook County area
• Academic credit available if applicable

(unpaid)

To Apply

Please email a bio and resume to Kristina Phillips, Chief Development Officer, at View email address on ziprecruiter.com.