Internships

Marketing & Communications Intern Program

Position Title: Marketing & Communications Intern
Reports to: Director of Community Relations
Start date/End Date: August/September 2025/26 – Fall and Winter Semesters
Position Status: Temporary, Part-Time (10 hours, weekly)
Compensation: $1000 Scholarship per semester

Summary: The marketing & communications intern will provide support to the organization, including writing, material development, event planning, and research. The intern will work approximately 10 hours per week. The intern role is designed to expose and challenge students pursuing a degree in marketing, communications, nonprofit management or a related field to the facets of marketing & communications in the nonprofit sector. The internship is designed to follow an academic calendar and may be extended, provided there is additional work available.

Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes:
In collaboration with staff:

• Develop content for social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and other digital platforms.
• Provide on-site event support and assist team with event planning and community relations.
• Conduct ongoing news media and social media monitoring and tracking for The Foundation for Northwest Illinois coverage, message analysis and community foundation sector trends.
• Generate e-newsletter and blog content.
• Generate content for internal communications vehicles.
• Provide donor development communications support as needed, particularly copy writing.

Essential Qualifications, Credentials and Technical Skills required:

• Currently a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications/marketing, or nonprofit management; previous internship experience considered a plus.
• Strong writing, proofreading, social media and research skills. Graphic design, video and HTML/content management experience preferred.
• Know-how to produce communications in multiple formats, including digital and print.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail required.
• Strong organization skills. Ability to effectively manage course load, extra-curricular and internship responsibilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to ask questions when in need of direction or clarification.
• Ability and confidence to interact with staff at all levels and external constituents.
• Creativity and passion for philanthropic communications and nonprofit marketing. Desire to continue learning and growing.

Apply

To apply to this internship program, please send your resume and cover letter that includes information on your area of study, college, and future aspirations to Sarah Flashing Clow, sarah@fornwil.org.

About The Foundation for Northwest Illinois

Our Mission: Inspiring Donors and Empowering Community Partners for a Stronger Northwest Illinois.

The Foundation for Northwest Illinois helps area residents and organizations realize their unique charitable goals, provide impactful support to our community’s nonprofits, and foster key partnerships to address critical issues affecting Northwest Illinois.

The Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Gifts made to the Foundation qualify for the maximum allowable deductions for income and estate tax purposes. We encourage the full participation of your financial planner, attorney, accountant and/or insurance representative to understand your goals and the many options available through the Foundation.