About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is home to WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, as well as urban alternative music station, Vocalo. The organization serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life, and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial. 

 

The Opportunity

The Design & Marketing Intern will work with CPM’s Marketing team to gain experience with designing creative concepts and marketing strategies. By the end of the internship the Design & Marketing Intern will have experience executing marketing campaigns and assist in the creation of creative campaigns from concept to execution including but not limited to templating, layout design, social media asset creation, print, digital, video and physical assets. The intern will also assist the Communications team on special projects related to internal communications.

 

Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at WBEZ — our interns continue to contribute to this industry. 

 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Diligent, detail-oriented, and able to follow direction well
• Passionate in news media/publishing 
• A design portfolio or work samples is required 
• Proficiency with Adobe CC applications such as PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere Pro.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workplace

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in typography, graphic design, and layout (school work counts)
• Adobe After Effects
• Experience with A/B testing in design decisions
• Experience with social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram

 

We are located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All interns must be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago. Due to COVID restrictions, interns may also be required to work remotely with internet access as needed.

Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at WBEZ — our interns continue to contribute to public media.  

A bit about our internship programs:

• Many, but not all, of our interns have completed college or some other form of education and/or certification in the journalism or media field(s).
• Many go on to careers in public media or other outlets. Many have found their way back to WBEZ, too.
• We pay $20/hour, non-negotiable
• Interns work full time 24 hrs/week 
• Program term is 6 months (July through late December) 
• Positions are daytime work hours and on a Monday through Friday schedule, though some flexibility may be possible

What we are looking for our candidates to display in their resumes, cover letters and interview conversations: 

• Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community
• Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission 
• Curiosity and the willingness to learn
• Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives
• Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media
• Specific skills you want to learn during the internship 
• If applicable, any links to a portfolio of writing samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening

 

Applications must include a cover letter and a resume; use the cover letter to share any links to previous work and/or include any job-related criteria not on your resume. Applications without cover letters will not be considered. 

The application deadline is 05/11/2022. Candidates will be selected in early May. 

Accepted applicants will be required to start training in Chicago on June 8, 2022.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

 

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.  Our culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouraged.  We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

Chicago Public Media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM, in our staff and in our work.  We are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.