Communications & Design Internship

Fall 2024

The Communications & Design Intern will work to advance HCL’s visibility, brand recognition, and communications strategy. 

The capstone project for this internship is the development of HCL brand guidelines. These guidelines will organize existing standards (such as colorways and fonts) and build on this by articulating the voice and tone of HCL brand and developing templates and reference materials that will allow current and future staff to consistently represent the HCL brand. 

This position will also support day-to-day marketing activities by helping develop graphic assets for social media, email campaigns, website updates, promotional videos and reels, and other digital and print materials. An important part of this work is ensuring the accessibility of HCL’s communications though, among other efforts, alt text, image descriptions, captions, and audio descriptions. This position may also help collect and analyze marketing-related data and statistics.

To round out the experience, approximately 25% of this role will be invested in supporting HCL public programs to organize and implement various events, including Open Labs, premieres, Art/Access Labs, and the culminating showcase for 2024 Fellow Artists in Residence. This position will work with various staff throughout their internship and will report to the Managing Director.

Internship Responsibilities

Brand Guidelines

  • Collect and analyze marketing-related data to inform branding guidelines 

  • Codify current style guidelines, such as brand fonts, colors, and logos

  • Collaborate with staff to articulate HCL’s voice and tone

  • Develop templates and reference materials to ensure brand consistency 

  • Help train staff on these new guidelines

Communications & Design 

  • Develop graphic assets to promote HCL events, opportunities, and campaigns

  • Assist with the planning and implementation of HCL’s social media calendar

  • Develop content for the HCL website, such as Alumni Profiles

Programs, Events & Operations:

  • Attend weekly all-staff meetings and other meetings as needed

  • Staff a variety of HCL events, and provide set-up, front of house, general production assistance, and load-out support

  • Support organization of inventory of HCL equipment and assist with studio improvements

  • Other projects based on intern interests and organizational needs 

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong understanding of visual design concepts and ability to apply them to a brand;

  • Experience developing graphic assets for various communication platforms including websites, social media, and print;

  • Familiarity with style and brand guidelines, and how to develop these materials with a client;

  • Familiarly with universal and inclusive design concept with a commitment to accessible design in the broadest sense;

  • Comfortable with technology and social media platforms like Canva, Google Suite, Squarespace, Mailchimp, Buffer, Instagram, and Facebook;

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills;

  • Reliable and self-driven;

  • Organized and able to meet deadlines; and 

  • Interest in interdisciplinary time-based art including performance, dance, sound, & video.

Schedule & Location

This position requires a blend of remote and in-person work and interns are expected to participate in  various evening and weekend events. Exact schedule will be determined in collaboration with the Managing Director. Onsite work locations may include the HCL Lab at Mana Contemporary in Pilsen (2233 S Throop), the HCL office within the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph St.), and partner organizations including Experimental Station in Woodlawn (6100 S Blackstone).

Compensation 

Compensation for college interns is made possible through the Federal Work-Study program, and is therefore contingent upon the school and student’s participation and eligibility in this program.  

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 work samples to angee@highconceptlabs.org. Work samples may be sent as attachments or URL links.  For questions, please contact Managing Director, Angee Lennard, at angee@highconceptlabs.org.

Timeline*

  • Application review begins Monday, August 26, 2024. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

  • We are typically able to work with students to align internships with their school’s calendar and internship requirements.

  • Internships begin on or near the week of September 3.

  • Internships end mid-December.

We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace. High Concept Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.