Marketing and Communications Intern (Unpaid)

Overview

Evergreen Internship

Overview

Ready to build your portfolio while making a difference?

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking Marketing and Communications Interns to gain hands-on experience supporting real-world marketing initiatives that educate, engage, and strengthen communities. This unpaid internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in communications, public relations, digital media, broadcasting, journalism, event planning, marketing, or a related field.

As a Marketing and Communications Intern, you won't spend your semester making coffee or filing paperwork. You'll work alongside experienced professionals to create content, support events, develop marketing campaigns, produce digital media, and contribute to projects that make a meaningful impact across Illinois and Missouri.

Whether your passion is writing, social media, graphic design, photography, videography, event planning, or digital marketing, this internship offers opportunities to build valuable experience while developing a professional portfolio.

This is an evergreen internship posting. Projects and assignments will vary based on department needs, student interests, and academic requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create, write, edit, and proofread original content for websites, newsletters, brochures, social media, printed materials, and other communication channels

• Support social media strategy by developing content, creating graphics, researching audiences, scheduling posts, and monitoring engagement

• Assist with multimedia projects including photography, videography, video editing, digital storytelling, and other creative content

• Support planning and execution of internal and external events, including logistics, communications, promotional materials, and event coordination

• Design printed and digital marketing materials that align with Chestnut's brand standards and messaging

• Research communication trends, audiences, marketing strategies, and best practices to support campaigns and outreach initiatives

• Assist with website updates, social media analytics, campaign reporting, and identifying opportunities to improve communication performance

• Provide administrative and project support, including preparing emails, mailings, information packets, presentations, and marketing materials

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications staff, interns, and organizational leaders on cross-functional projects

• Promote Chestnut's mission, values, and commitment to trauma-informed, integrated care through professional communications

• Uphold Chestnut's standards for customer service excellence and maintain confidentiality of organizational information

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a two-year or four-year degree in communications, public relations, digital media, broadcasting, journalism, event planning, marketing, or a related field

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications

• Demonstrated interest or experience in writing, storytelling, social media, graphic design, photography, videography, event planning, digital marketing, or content creation

• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional environment

• Familiarity with social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Nextdoor, or similar platforms preferred

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, video editing software, Google Analytics, SEO, photography, or website content management systems is a plus, but not required

Benefits

This internship provides valuable hands-on experience by allowing students to:

• Build a professional portfolio with real-world marketing projects

• Gain experience in content creation, social media, digital marketing, event planning, and communications

• Learn from experienced marketing and communications professionals

• Strengthen project management, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills

• Develop experience supporting a mission-driven healthcare organization serving communities across Illinois and Missouri

About Chestnut

Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been a leader in integrated health care, providing behavioral health, substance use treatment, primary care, research, and training throughout Illinois and Missouri.

Our Marketing and Communications team plays an important role in sharing stories, promoting services, supporting employees, engaging communities, and advancing Chestnut's mission of improving lives.

Additional Information

Are you interested in this internship but don't meet every qualification?

Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't perfectly match every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered, applicants must complete the application and answer all screening questions.

Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled