Marketing Intern (IVCC students)

Position Summary

The Marketing Intern supports marketing and communications initiatives that increase awareness of the Ottawa YMCA's mission, programs, membership opportunities, events, fundraising efforts, and community impact. The intern gains hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation, graphic design, storytelling, community outreach, event promotion, and basic campaign analysis.

Essential Functions

• Support the mission, vision, and goals of the YMCA and model the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Create, edit, and organize engaging content for social media, the YMCA website, email newsletters, print publications, press releases, radio, and internal communications in accordance with YMCA brand standards.
• Design or update flyers, posters, brochures, digital graphics, signage, and other promotional materials using approved templates and design tools.
• Auxiliary with social media content calendars; draft and schedule posts; monitor trends and engagement; and route questions or comments to the appropriate staff member.
• Capture and edit photographs and short-form video that highlight YMCA programs, members, volunteers, staff, events, and community impact; follow all photo/video release and child-protection requirements.
• Interview staff, members, volunteers, and community partners and develop stories that communicate the YMCA's mission and demonstrate impact.
• Auxiliary in developing and carrying out marketing plans and campaigns for membership, seasonal programs, special events, fundraising, and other organizational priorities.
• Coordinate project timelines, advertising deadlines, approvals, printing, and distribution so promotional materials are accurate and released on schedule.
• Support special events, community-engagement projects, and outreach to local organizations, schools, businesses, and media outlets.
• Develop a working knowledge of YMCA programs and services and collaborate with department leaders to ensure communications are accurate, timely, and audience appropriate.
• Track basic marketing measures such as reach, engagement, clicks, email performance, website activity, inquiries, and registrations; help summarize results and identify useful trends.
• Research audiences, communication channels, community needs, and emerging marketing practices to recommend creative ways to reach current and prospective members.
• Maintain organized project files, content calendars, media assets, contact lists, and documentation of completed work.
• Protect confidential information and follow YMCA policies related to safety, social media, technology, copyright, brand use, professional conduct, and child-abuse prevention.
• Build positive relationships and provide excellent service to members, guests, volunteers, community partners, and staff.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and internship check-ins and complete assignments by established deadlines.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned to support YMCA operations and an excellent member experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18.
• Current enrollment in an IVCC marketing, communications, public relations, graphic design, digital media, business, journalism, or a related field preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including attention to grammar, accuracy, tone, and storytelling.
• Basic knowledge of major social media platforms and digital-marketing practices.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable design tools; experience with email-marketing or website-content platforms is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and comfort learning online tools and resources.
• Photography, videography, video-editing, or content-production experience preferred; a writing or design portfolio is helpful but not required.
• Ability to review basic campaign data, identify trends, and communicate findings clearly.
• Creative, organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate direction and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
• Professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality and follow approval processes.
• Commitment to inclusion, community service, and the YMCA's mission and core values.
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and any other screening required by YMCA policy.
• Completion of required YMCA orientation, child-abuse-prevention, sexual-harassment, technology, and safety training.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office environment and throughout YMCA program and event spaces, with occasional community or outdoor assignments. The position regularly requires use of a computer, phone, and other digital equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods; communicating in person and electronically; and moving throughout the facility. The employee must occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Benefits

• Free individual YMCA membership;
• Retail savings options, including 401(k) for eligible employees, 403(b), and Roth IRA;
• Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) leave;
• Training and development programs;
• 50% discounts on eligible programs (for example, child care);
• Workers' compensation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

The Ottawa YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.