Every year, nearly 1,200 children in Illinois are newly diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Make-A-Wish Illinois believes that wishes are an important part of the overall care and treatment of these children, and each wish offers the opportunity for a joyous, life-changing experience. This belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish Illinois, as we are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 17,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish with children in all 102 counties across the state. This is made possible with the support of over 1,000 WishMakers and numerous donors and other supporters. A dynamic, professional staff is also essential to delivering high-quality wishes to children.

The Make-A-Wish Illinois Internship Program is a structured 10-week program (June-August) that will provide you with a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside by developing business acumen. Sharpen your skills in creating compelling stories that inspire action. This internship provides real world experience in producing content for a number of communications channels. Interns will conduct interviews, write stories, support social and digital media projects, and learn more about the strategic communications of a nonprofit.  

This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Qualified candidates will be contacted by hiring team to schedule interviews.

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per week (hybrid work experience), including at least one in-office working day, from early June through early August. It is required to attend our in-office orientation on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment and commute to our downtown Chicago office (we are located in the Central Loop)
• Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a criminal background check
• Must reside in the state of Illinois during the duration of the internship cycle
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
• Desire to contribute to the mission of Make-A-Wish 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Writing projects that include research and phone/video interviews  

• Supporting media relations as needed by updating contact lists, distributing assets and related activities  

• Tasks related to analyzing and reporting marketing activities  

• Supporting digital asset acquisition, recording and permissions  

• Other duties as assigned 

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills 
• Good time management and organizational skills  
• Understanding of style guides and familiarity with the Associated Press Stylebook 
• Proficiency in Office 365 
• Basic photography, image and video editing, and/or graphic design skills a plus 
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Actively working toward a bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations communications, or related field at an accredited university  
• Completion of introductory journalism, marketing or public relations coursework  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Submit two non-academic writing samples (news release, blog post, newsletter article, etc.)

An internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois provides a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside. In addition to the learning opportunities outlined in the job description, all interns also:

• Sit down with the senior leaders of our organization
• Build working relationships with interns throughout other departments
• Skill-based workshops and projects
• Participate in creating impactful lifelong memories for children with critical illnesses and families
• Opportunity to assist in the creation and execution of wishes