Summer 2026 Internship Communications
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Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Internship:Communications
Department: External Affairs & Marketing
Status: Temporary non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.00/hr
Location:Hybrid
Season:Summer2026(6/1/26-8/21/26)
Application Deadline: March 16at 5pm CST
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquariums Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits animal care conservation research and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.
These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge but not necessarily the real-world application.
We welcome applications from all levels of experience including those seeking career exploration or changes gap year students freshmen sophomores and those seeking first internships.
Department Overview:
The public relations team at Shedd aims to vigorously advance the aquariums mission both internally and externally through the promotion protection and preservation of the aquariums reputation and business. We develop and implement aquarium-wide internal and external communications strategies develop and maintain long-term and meaningful relationships and oversee crisis communication planning.
Environment:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Communications the Communications Intern will work directly with PR staff and members of the broader External Affairs and Marketing team to implement internal and executive communications projects events and activities that keep employees informed and engaged and help position Shedd as an established leader in animal care conservation education and research.
Learning Goals:
- Develop stronger writing and editing skills and a stronger written portfolio while thinking more critically about methods and best practices for internal storytelling and communications.
- Utilize creative solutions to support Shedds leadership and research initiatives.
- Understand how the development of key internal communications assets supports external goals and outreach.
Responsibilities & Projects:
- Demonstrate commitment to Shedds vision mission and values
- Develop a deep understanding of Shedd Aquariumwork across animal wellbeing conservation environmental education public engagementand more.
- Willingness to interact with internal audiences virtually or Director of Communications accordingly.
- Help shape and implement an internal communicationsstrategy for Shedd Aquarium.
- Assistwith ideationanddrafting of articles for internal newsletter.
- Assist withinternal andexecutive communications projects including quarterly all-staffTown Halls staff programmingetc.
- Ideate on staff engagement and activationopportunities insupport ofShedds Centennial Commitment strategic plan.
- Support the Assistant Directorof Communications in staff and leadership visibility and elevation opportunities that demonstrate Shedds expertiseand relevance.
- Coordinate visual assets with Shedds media team.
- Other projects as assigned
Qualifications:
Fields of Interest:Communications public relations journalism
Skills/Characteristics:
- Excellentwrittenandverbal communication skills.
- BaselineKnowledgeofAPStyle.
- Excellentorganizationalskillsandabilitytoworkindependentlyandmeetdeadlines.
- ProficientwithMicrosoftOfficeSuite.
- Professionalworkethicanddemeanorareimperative.
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
- Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.
Schedule:
- This internship will run from 6/1/26-8/21/26.
- The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
- We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24hours per week during this time period pending business needs and individual performance.
- Preferredschedule: Flexible within normal business hours weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Onsite at least one day per week.
- Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at
We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community Veterans andactive dutymilitary parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
Required Experience:
Intern
Key Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Public Relations
- Google Docs
- Data Collection
- MailChimp
- Microsoft Word
- Dermal Fillers
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Research Experience
- Microsoft Excel
- Adobe Photoshop
- Writing Skills
About Company
Look nature in the eye and discover the wonder of the aquatic animal world at Shedd Aquarium.
