Intern, Marketing & Communications

About the Role

The American Heart Association's Internship Program offers college students hands-on experience in Marketing and Communications within a non-profit, voluntary health organization. This role provides opportunities to learn how Marketing Communications leads promote the Association’s campaigns, research, programs, and cause initiatives. The intern will collaborate with teams across Marketing and Communications, the Chicago Team, and throughout the American Heart Association.

• Time Commitment: 20 hours per week
• Internship Duration: 1/25/27 – 5/7/27
• Location: Hybrid in Chicago, IL or immediate surrounding area
• Salary: $23.00 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of news releases and press materials.
• Assist in drafting a wide variety of Marketing Communications materials to promote campaigns, events, and programs.
• Collaborate and assist the marketing communications lead in planning and executing marketing and communications efforts via earned or paid media strategies.
• Provide ideas to support strategic marketing, public relations, and corporate communications.
• Research potential media collaborators, influencers, and opportunities.
• Assist in preparing media coverage reports by tracking top media placements and sourcing clips and hyperlinks.
• Support the team on the creation of campaign reports and recaps.
• Assist in creating social media content for Chicago social media platforms.
• Support Chicago fundraising events through communications efforts including content capturing and creation, stage management, speaker coordination, and AV assistance.
• Work with development and community impact teams to streamline a Survivor Storybank.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Candidates pursuing a degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or marketing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in effective one-on-one and group communications.
• Experience managing or creating content for social media platforms.
• Ability to deal professionally in a corporate or non-profit environment and assume responsibility for guiding projects from inception through completion.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple priorities.
• Intermediate to excellent proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Canva.
• Required Equipment: Reliable Wi-Fi connection and reliable transportation.
• Minimum availability of 20 hrs/wk, M-F between the hours of 9am-5pm.
• Must be available to work in the Chicago American Heart Association office on Tuesdays.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

Event Availability

• Chicago Go Red for Women Luncheon: Friday, February 13, 9AM-1PM
• Chicago Heart Ball: Friday, April 16, 4PM-10PM

Internship Outcomes

• Gain important and practical job skills to be successful in a non-profit environment.
• Opportunity to explore a career path with a reputable voluntary health/service organization.
• Complete an internship that enriches your academic and professional resume.
• Make a difference in the lives of others.