Description

The American Burn Association (ABA) is seeking a Communications & Digital Media Intern to support the marketing and communications team for the upcoming academic year. This internship is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience in content creation, digital media, and communications strategy within a professional healthcare association environment, while allowing the student to earn academic credit.

The intern will work closely with professional marketing and communications staff, including the Senior Specialist, Digital Marketing, to assist in content development across multiple channels, including social media, video capture and editing, newsletters, website updates, and campaign materials. This role offers exposure to strategic communications planning, project coordination, and audience engagement, while contributing to the visibility of ABA programs and initiatives.

ABA is based in downtown Chicago and offers hybrid or fully remote work options for candidates outside the Chicagoland area. Interested students should submit a resume and cover letter to urbanczyk@ameriburn.org by Friday, January 30. 

Internship Structure

• Duration: 10–12 weeks or longer, based on performance and program needs, with flexibility to align with the academic quarter schedule
• Hours: Part-time, up to 15 hours per week (minimum of 80 hours per academic quarter)
• Typical Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with flexibility based on ABA needs and academic commitments
• Location: Remote, hybrid, or on-site at ABA headquarters (Chicago, IL)
• Compensation: Paid internship at $18.50 per hour
• Travel: No travel required

Learning Objectives
Through this internship, the student will:

• Develop skills in creating engaging content for multiple communication platforms, including social media, email, and web
• Gain experience supporting marketing and communications campaigns
• Learn to assist with supporting content calendars and campaign planning
• Collaborate with professional staff to support organizational goals and audience engagement

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation & Writing

• Assist with updating content calendars for social media and digital communications
• Draft short-form content and adapt messaging for various social media platforms
• Write first-draft blog posts and email copy for newsletters and campaigns
• Assist in drafting press releases and content to promote key research
• Repurpose long-form content into short posts, quotes, or graphic copy

Digital Media & Creative Support

• Assist with creating basic graphics using Canva, including promotional assets, quote cards, and event visuals
• Edit simple video clips for social media, including leadership updates, podcast promotion, and campaign-related content
• Assist with video organization and file management
• Assist with maintaining and tagging digital asset libraries (photos, templates, graphics, and icons)

Media Relations Support

• Update and maintain media lists, including researching new journalists and refreshing contact information
• Research relevant reporters, outlets, and media trends
• Assist in preparing media reports and coverage summaries

Website, Analytics & Digital Support

• Assist with updating dashboards and tracking basic performance metrics related to digital and social media content
• Support website content updates in collaboration with the team

Research & Administrative Support

• Support the Senior Specialist, Digital Marketing, with day-to-day digital marketing tasks, campaign coordination, and content execution
• Assist with project coordination using Jira, including supporting content and publications calendar
• Provide general administrative and research support for communications initiatives as needed

Requirements

Qualifications
This role is well-suited for a motivated student interested in communications, marketing, and digital media within a mission-driven healthcare organization.

Required / Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field Interest in content creation, digital media, and communications strategy
• Comfort using digital marketing and content tools such as Canva, social media management platforms, basic video editing software, and common productivity tools (Microsoft Office or Google Workspace)
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools
• Basic understanding of email marketing and website content management
• Willingness to learn project management systems  
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple tasks

Additional Attributes:

• Collaborative and professional communication style
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Personal qualities of integrity, collaboration, innovation, compassion, and a commitment to the ABA mission