Communication Intern Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Where you will work: This position offers a hybrid work option up to 50% remote and is based out of the Bloomington, IL; Sun Prairie, WI; or Lakeville, MN office locations.

The contributions you will make: This position is responsible for shaping public perception and enhancing the visibility of our organization. Develops and implements a comprehensive public relations (PR) strategy, analyzes media coverage to gauge public sentiment, and leads impactful PR campaigns. Partners with social media and paid media teams to manage a content calendar and produces various content, including press releases and editorial pieces. Additionally, builds and maintains strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets to secure favorable coverage and positions the organization as a leader in its field.

A typical day:

Public Relations Strategy and Management

• Develops and manages a comprehensive PR plan that includes strategic planning, budget management, timeline coordination, media relations, content creation, event management, crisis communication, performance measurement, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, continuous improvement, and compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards, ensuring every campaign contributes positively to Compeer's brand image and aligns with the overall objectives of the organization.
• Design and spearhead PR and media relations campaigns that align with organizational objectives, resonate with target audiences, and bolster market presence.
• Develops and implements effective issues preparedness and crisis communication strategies to protect and maintain the corporate brand and company reputation.
• Collaborates in planning and maintaining the monthly social editorial calendar to drive brand awareness and consideration, developing and implementing strategies to increase community participation, and in close coordination with the social media and paid media teams, creates and manages a robust content calendar that supports PR objectives, ensuring consistency and impact across all communication channels.
• Partners with the events team to develop a strategic public relations plan for both internal events and Compeer participation in external events.

Agency and Contractor Management

• Identifies, evaluates, and selects agencies and contractors that align with organizational needs and objectives, negotiating favorable contracts and terms.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with agencies and contractors, ensuring clear communication and collaboration to achieve shared goals.
• Oversees and assesses the performance of agencies and contractors, providing feedback and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and timelines.
• Ensures agency and contractor strategies and campaigns align with the organization's PR objectives and brand messaging.
• Manages budgets related to agency and contractor services, tracking expenditures and ensuring cost-effective resource use.
• Collects and analyzes performance data, providing regular reports on campaign effectiveness and ROI to senior management.
• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards in all agency and contractor work.
• Stays informed on industry trends and best practices to continuously optimize relationships and enhance PR outcomes.

Media Engagement and Analysis

• Works closely with social media, paid media and product marketing to create and optimize a content calendar bringing to life Compeer's key messages.
• Partnering with key journalists to create stories, develops unique content and secure placement positioning Compeer as a trusted voice in the ag and rural community categories as well as in our core markets as an employer of choice.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with journalists, influencers, bloggers, and other media outlets.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with a network of journalists, influencers, and media outlets to secure favorable coverage and position the organization as a leader in its field.
• Analyzes media coverage to gauge public sentiment and brand perception. Provides insightful updates to the leadership team, ensuring strategies remain agile and responsive to market dynamics.

Content Development and Delivery

• Leads the creation and distribution of diverse content, including press releases, editorial pieces, and internal communications, ensuring all materials reflect the organizational voice and brand values in a clear and compelling manner.
• Writes, edits, and distributes various communications materials, including press releases, thought leadership articles, and internal newsletters, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and brand alignment. Tailors content for different audiences and distributes through appropriate channels.
• Composes well-written, compelling narratives and strategic business content for various channels and use cases including: press releases, briefing materials, statements, talking points, FAQs, speeches, long-form stories for owned channels, social media content, blogs, videos, slides, fact sheets and other materials.
• Collaborates with internal teams to gather information and align messaging, develops thought leadership to position the organization as an industry leader, and monitors content performance using key metrics. Continuously improves communications based on feedback and industry trends, while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

The skills and experience we prefer you have:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Minimum of 10 years of public relations experience.
• Experience in financial services and agriculture-related businesses is highly preferred.
• Experience working in or with public relations agencies is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of public relations and media communications strategies.
• Familiarity with storytelling techniques and media pitching processes.
• Awareness of industry trends and best practices in PR and media relations
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills, with a flair for creative writing.
• Proven ability to create compelling stories and secure media coverage.
• Strong project management skills, capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously, with expertise in file sharing and collaboration tools.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong network of journalists in the agriculture, rural, and business media categories.
• Experienced in managing agencies and contractors.
• Ability to think strategically and align PR efforts with organizational objectives.
• Capability to ensure the organization's voice reaches and resonates with target audiences.
• Capacity to drive the organization's mission and objectives through effective communication.
• Competence in collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance PR and media efforts.
• Valid driver's license.

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How we will take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career level (associate, senior, principal, etc.). The actual title and base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for variable compensation and other benefits.