About Shedd
Government Affairs Research Internship-Summer 2011 (Recruiting)
To be considered for this internship opportunity, please send a complete application information to:
Internship Program (Attn: Volunteer Services)
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Internship@sheddaquarium.org
Fax: 312-939-4895
Internship Title: Government affairs research internship
Internship Department: External affairs and communication
Objective: Researching news articles of interest (i.e. political or Great Lakes content) to the external affairs and communication department and maintaining political database. Assisting with the maintenance of our communication system with politicians.
Responsibilities:
• Researches news pertinent to politicians, zoos, aquariums, the Great Lakes and the environment. Updates supervisor and database accordingly.
• Co-manages internal communication system for political briefings. This includes researching politicians and associated jurisdictions relevant to internal events and preparing letters or other communication tools.
• Assists with government affairs projects as assigned. Other duties and projects as assigned.
Final Product(s): An updated, organized, usable media database collection for staff use and reference. Demonstrated communication with politicians on behalf of Shedd Aquarium.
Qualifications: A desirable candidate must be able to multitask, work well with teams and independently, digest a lot of information simultaneously, be detail-oriented, think creatively, effectively manage his or her time and meet deadlines. A candidate who is a self-starter and has an interest in regional politics and community news is preferred. Intern should be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Professional work ethic and demeanor is imperative.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4-point scale
Desired year in school: Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
Compensation: Unpaid. Interns must make arrangements with their schools to gain academic credit for this internship. Shedd Aquarium is happy to provide any work documentation necessary for this process.
Desired Majors: Political science, communications, journalism, public policy, business, museum studies, or related fields
Time Commitment: Three to five days a week; 24 to 35 hours weekly (set schedule will be determined based on intern availability). For training purposes, Wednesday availability is preferred.
Learning Potential: Exposure to a variety of political and environmental issues through news research and possible internal events. Ability to organize and update a small-scale database with a specific focus (political and environmental).
Connections to other Shedd staff and interns through formal and informal trainings as well as mentorship opportunities.
To Apply: Print and complete the application packet available on our website. A list of required application documents is on the website. If you have any questions regarding this internship or our program, please e-mail the volunteer coordinator at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
Application Deadline:
Summer 2011–April 15, or until the internship is filled.
