Foundation Summary

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland comprised of thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed, without regard to income, race, ethnicity, gender, or ZIP code. We invest in people and organizations across the region to develop educated, informed, and engaged communities. The Foundation was established in 1955 upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The Foundation's philanthropic investments of more than $1.8 billion to date are currently focused on Chicago's South and West Sides and on the following issues: early childhood education, public safety, community development, veterans, and journalism. 

Robert R. McCormick Charitable Trust and designated Cantigny as a public space for education and recreation. Cantigny Park is home to the McCormick House, First Division Museum, formal gardens, picnic grounds, and walking trails. Cantigny is host to numerous special events, concerts, weddings, garden tours, museum tours, lectures, horticulture workshops, fitness classes, and more throughout the year.

Position Summary

Cantigny is seeking a Creative Services Intern to join our Communications team. This role is ideal for a well-rounded, artistic, and detail-oriented creative looking to gain hands-on experience in graphic design, multimedia production, and digital content creation within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This part-time, extended internship (April–Winter) requires Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, plus event weekends as needed. The ideal candidate is flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working on a variety of projects, from branded marketing materials to social media content and video production.

Essential Functions

Production Design & Branding:

• Work closely with the Design Lead to produce branded materials for events, signage, brochures, print collateral, and marketing assets.
• Adapt and apply existing brand guidelines rather than designing from scratch.

Social Media & Multimedia Content:

• Assist the Multimedia Designer in content creation for Cantigny’s social media channels, text program, and campus monitors, including graphics, photography, and video.
• Help develop engaging visuals for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Videography & Photography:

• Capture and edit video and photo content for promotional campaigns, event coverage, and the Cantigny digital library.

Website & Digital Content:

• Support the Web Manager with digital graphics, web content updates, and multimedia assets for online use.

Email Marketing Support:

• Assist in migrating from MailChimp to Square, including organizing lists, setting up audience segments, and ensuring a smooth transition.

Collaboration & Flexibility:

• Support the small but dynamic Communications team, adapting to an ever-changing workload and wearing multiple hats when necessary.

Event Coverage:

• Work some evenings and weekends to photograph, film, and document Cantigny’s programs and events.

Creative Contribution:

• Bring an artistic eye to all projects, enhancing Cantigny’s visual storytelling and brand presence.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, Multimedia, or a related field.

Experience: 1 year or less.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects preferred).
• Experience with DSLR cameras, mobile photography, and video production tools.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, content creation tools, and in-app video editing.
• Video editing and motion graphics experience is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with HTML and Word press or other content management systems a plus.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (MailChimp, Square, or similar) is helpful.
• Adaptability—able to pivot between tasks based on daily needs.
• Strong eye for design and branding—understands visual consistency.
• Creativity & initiative—brings fresh ideas while respecting brand identity.
• Collaborative mindset, comfortable working with designers, content creators, and marketing professionals

Working Conditions:

Part-time position, reporting to the Communications Director.

Vaccination Requirement

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation requires as a condition of employment that all employees are fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) or have been approved for an accommodation based on a medical condition or conflicting religious belief.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cantigny Park and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.