Community Engagement Internship - Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

Who: Old Town Merchants & Residents Association is a 501(c)(6) community organization that functions simultaneously as a chamber of commerce and residential association in the Old Town neighborhood.

What: The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association is looking for an energetic, organized, detail-oriented team-player for an internship for summer 2018. The ideal candidate will be able to take direction from multiple team members, but also be proactive and work independently; all while being able to prioritize, stay organized, and keep a strong attention to detail. The perfect candidate will have interest in pursuing a career in non-profit, event planning, community/government relations, or urban planning. Specific responsibilities include:
Events and Marketing

• Assisting with event planning and meeting logistics 
• Responding to incoming inquiries about upcoming events or meetings 
• Support OTMRA membership management and development through nonmember engagement strategy 
• Opportunities for writing and proofreading marketing materials, social media posts, and emails 

Community Outreach

• Flyer and poster distribution around the Old Town neighborhood for events  
• Connect business and residents to City resources as needed, Community Enhancement 
• Assist in implementing public ways projects to enhance Old Town’s streetscapes through the Special Service Area (SSA)  
• Assist with securing permits for public way improvements  
• Help administer the street pole banner program 
• Update storefront inventory and track vacancies to help connect prospective businesses and brokers,  Assist in gathering signatures for the SSA reconstitution application due August 1, 2018 

Administration

• Answer phone calls/emails, and other administrative tasks as needed 
• Assist in execution of OTMRA committee special projects and tasks  
• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time and can lift 30 up to lbs. 

Requirements 

• Students studying communications, marketing, public policy, urban planning, geography, or similar fields are encouraged to apply 
• Outstanding written and personal communication skills, with great attention to detail 
• Energetic team player who encompasses a friendly, helpful demeanor  
• Must be organized and an excellent multi-tasker  
• Experience with event and meeting planning 
• Excellent reporting, writing and editing skills  
• Ability to work independently and multi-task 
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite 
• Social media strategy experience is a plus 

Interns will be asked to commit to a regular, mutually agreed upon schedule, for about 20 hours a week for four months. Those applying for this internship must have reliable transportation to and from our office.
This position will come with a stipend for the four-month period.
*NOTE: If hired for this role, you must be available to work for the Wells Street Art Festival on June 9 and 10, 2018.

To Apply: Please submit the following materials to otmra@oldtownchicago.org by May 14, 2018 at 5pm.

• Current resume  
• Cover letter  
• Three references  
• One writing sample