Chicago Scholars Content Crew Independent Contractor

Welcome to the 2026 Chicago Scholars Content Crew Application!

Were thrilled that youre interested in working with us as a member of the Content Crew!

Before you begin the application please review the information listed below.

Program Description
The Chicago Scholars Content Crew is a year-long program that will support three current Scholars as they grow as content creators and contribute to Chicago Scholars online presence. Every month the Content Crew will participate in planning meetings with Marketing and Communications staff; draft submit and respond to feedback on at least one quality piece of content; and respond to Chicago Scholars content needs as they arise. Once a quarter Content Crew members and other CS interns will attend professional development workshops that will focus on skill-building and/or career exploration.

Content is intentionally undefined to encourage applications from Scholars with a wide variety of skills. If you can make stuff that would work for Chicago Scholars website newsletters or social media we want to hear from you. Graphic designers videographers photographers writers and artists of all kinds are encouraged to apply.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program Content Crew members will:

Build a portfolio of professional-level content that can be used to apply to other jobs and internships

Develop a professional working relationship with Chicago Scholars staff

Grow as a creative professional and better understand what it means to work in media and marketing

Gain insight into how data and metrics are used to guide creative decisions in a marketing department

Understand how to collaborate as part of a team and use an editorial calendar to inform creative decisions

Be a current Chicago Scholar in good standing

Live and be present in the Chicagoland area year-round

o Note that while much of the Content Crews work will be independent and remote Content Crew members will be required to attend occasional in-person events and workshops

Commitment to the entire 10-month program and to attending all scheduled workshops and meetings

o Meetings will always be scheduled in advance

Demonstrated skill in content creation

o This can be any kind of content including but not limited to: writing; videography and photography; photo and video editing; graphic design/visual art

o Professional content creation experience is not required. If you move forward in the process you will be asked to submit a portfolio that reflects your best work no matter the context in which it was created

Ability to take feedback professionally not personally

Strong communication skills

Strong time management skills

Important Details

Program runs from September 2026 to August 2027

Content Crew members are expected to work 15 hours per month

Content Crew members will be paid $17 per hour as an independent contractor (not a part-time employee); they are expected to track their time and regularly update a timesheet

Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area full time and expect to remain in the Chicagoland area throughout the program

o While we hope to accommodate college move-in we understand some schools have early orientations or programs that start in the summer. Exceptions will be made for members who will start college outside Chicago in summer 2027.

Monthly meetings will be scheduled according to members availability. Scheduling will be revisited at term breaks. It is expected that members will honor their commitment to these meetings once they have been scheduled.