The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to intern in its Policy Department to maximize our use of social media. This is an incredible opportunity to learn cutting-edge, meaningful work for a nationally-renowned non-profit AIDS organization. Our interns play a vital role in our organizational success, and can anticipate a challenging but rewarding experience.
The Social Media and Advocacy Intern will support the work of the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance (HIV PJA), a national network of over 80 groups building a unified, effective movement for HIV prevention and confronting the social drivers of HIV, including mass imprisonment, lack of housing, and LGBTQ marginalization.
Learning opportunities will include writing, website and blog support, assisting with outreach and mobilization activities, helping with public relations, marketing and strategic communications, and other related areas.
This internship is designed to be both educational and practical. In this position, the intern will learn how to take skills she or he may have acquired in school related to his or her particular areas of interest, and apply them in a professional setting. He or she will gain a better understanding of the non-profit workplace, and be better prepared to work in the arena of HIV/AIDS, public health communication, or public policy. The candidate will also have opportunities to network with program, policy, and development staff, and the broader community.
The HIV Prevention Justice Intern will learn:
- How to utilize social media, such as blogs and social network sites, and constituent relationship software to build the power to change public policies;
- How to write targeted content for advocacy websites and blogs;
- Steps to engage in effective internet advocacy with diverse populations;
- Public relations, marketing and strategic communications support for public health advocacy and mobilization;
- Numerous community health policies and issues facing those at risk of and living with HIV/AIDS;
- News about the latest politics, research and science on HIV/STD prevention.
This internship is unpaid (stipend available), however, AFC can help interns obtain college credit for their internship, where available. The intern will receive necessary training and staff supervision. We require a minimum of 15 hours/week for a minimum of 5 months (though longer internships are preferred). Public policy, public health, and government majors are encouraged to apply.
Mandatory Job Qualifications
- Current or recent enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in communications, visual communication, graphic design, journalism, web design, public relations and marketing fields;
- Exceptional writing ability;
- Experience with and enthusiasm for social media and networking platforms;
- Ability to work in a group setting;
- Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments simultaneously;
- Passion for social justice issues and/or the fight against HIV/AIDS;
- Volunteer experience or familiarity with HIV and/or non-profit organizations desired.
- Able to commit to a minimum of 5 months for the internship