Communications and Public Relations Internship, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL

Communications and Public Relations Internship, Shedd Aquarium,
Chicago, IL

Objective: Assist in the aquarium’s internal and external communication
projects, media-relations opportunities and events.

Responsibilities:
• Willingness to interact with both internal and external audiences via
telephone or in person. Updates PR manager accordingly.
• Light media pitching; returning media calls and requests.
• Writing press releases and pitches.
• Assisting staff with internal communication needs.
• Coordinating logistics for media interview opportunities and events.
• Producing background research on various zoo and aquarium or activist
industry news.

Final product(s):The candidate will gain a solid grounding in his or her
public relations skills needed to understand and navigate the media
world for a not-for-profit organization. The candidate will be exposed
to local, regional and national media and involved in promoting Shedd’s
programs, events and educational opportunities.

Qualifications:A desirable candidate must be able to multitask, have
excellent organizational skills, be deadline-oriented, have the ability
to work independently, be energetic and eager to learn. A candidate must
also think critically, creatively, be a self-starter, have a passion for
public relations and possess excellent time management skills. Intern
should be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and must be able to
work flexible hours including some early mornings, nights and weekends
as necessary, and walk/stand for extended periods of time. Professional
work ethic and demeanor is imperative.

Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4-point scale

Desired year in school: College senior or recent undergrad graduate.
Compensation: Unpaid. Interns must make arrangements with their schools
to gain academic credit for this internship. Shedd Aquarium is happy to
provide any work documentation necessary for this process.

Desired majors:Candidate will possess either a B.A. in the area of
communications, public relations, or journalism, or academic progress
toward a B.A. in these fields of study.
Time commitment: Three to five days a week; 24 to 35 hours weekly (set
schedule will be determined based on intern availability).

Learning potential: Exposure to a variety of media-relations
opportunities, including cultural and environmental issues through
public relations projects, internal and external. Relationship building
with local, regional and national media outlets.
Connections to other Shedd staff members and interns through formal and
informal trainings as well as mentorship opportunities.

To apply: Print and complete the application packet available on our
website. A list of required application documents is on the website.

If you have questions regarding this internship or our program, please
e-mail the volunteer and internship program manager at
internship@sheddaquarium.org.

Application Deadline:
Fall 2011: Sept. 15, or until the internship is filled.

To apply, please send our complete application packet to:

Volunteer Services Department
Attn: Internship Program
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Internship@sheddaquarium.org
Fax: 312-939-4895