Development and Communications Intern

Illinois Humanities•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Illinois Humanities, the Illinois partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration. For more information, visit www.ILhumanities.org. The Development & Communications Intern will work closely with the Development and Communications Department to assist in the execution of our Public Humanities Awards fundraiser, brand messaging, and day-to-day department activities. Interns will gain hands-on experience in fundraising, social media management, marketing research, and special events while gaining an understanding of how a non-profit organization runs. The internship, which will pay $20/hour, will run from approximately May 2026 through November 2026, and requires 15 -18 hours per week. Hours will be flexible based on the intern’s availability. This position will be hybrid with one to two days in person at our Chicago office.

Requirements

Interest in the humanities, arts, culture, and/or non-profit fields
Strong communication skills
Research, writing, editing and proof-reading skills
Self-motivated and organized
Computer savvy and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud or similar professional design programs
Experience with social media content creation and/or copywriting
Able to work in-person at Illinois Humanities’ Public Humanities Awards on September 23, 2026, in Chicago

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of website content‑management systems (CMS) is a plus but not required.
Experience with a donor database a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

Support the Public Humanities Awards on September 23, 2026, in Chicago. Activities may include managing event logistics, guest services, and production
Assist with assembly and mailings related to special events/and campaigns, including data input and clean-up in Raiser’s Edge
Draft and proofread professional correspondence
Contribute to newsletters, blog posts, and other storytelling assets
Research donors, foundations, audience personas, grants, best practices, or other topics as needed
Solicit donations such as books, raffle items, and other goods and services related to the Public Humanities Awards
Provide other administrative support to the Development and Communications team
Other duties as assigned