College Internship

Nonprofit Arts Administration Internship
Fall 2025

This internship at High Concept Labs (HCL) brings students into many aspects of a non-profit arts organization. Through supporting the daily operations of a small nonprofit organization, this position will incorporate office management, marketing and communications, development, and strategic plan implementation. 

One focus of the internship will be to develop a series of communications to increase audience engagement and represent and reinforce the mission, values, vision, and programs of the organization. The intern will work closely to develop relevant content and marketing plans to share this content across multiple platforms. Another focus of the internship will be to support the development functions of the organization, including individual fundraising, event-based fundraising, and grants. 

Rounding out the experience, this position will provide broad administrative support to areas of the organization for which the Managing Director has accountability for: Marketing, Development, Operations, Strategic Planning, and Outreach. 

Through contributing to a variety of organizational priorities, this internship will provide the opportunity to develop well-rounded nonprofit and arts administration skills while gaining insight into the Chicago nonprofit arts ecosystem. This position reports to the Managing Director.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Organizational management and operations:

  • Assist with file management, database management, and contract management

  • Participate in ongoing staff meetings and organization-wide projects

  • Other projects based on intern interests and organizational needs 

Communications, marketing, and graphic design

  • Maintain website content including news, events, profiles, and opportunities

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

  • Develop graphics and copy for website, social media, and other marketing needs

Development

  • Gather statistics and documentation for grant applications and reports

  • Contribute as needed to individual fundraising efforts, including event fundraising, individual donor solicitation, online giving campaigns, and in-kind donation solicitation and management.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Interest in non-profit arts administration and interdisciplinary or time-based art including performance, dance, sound, & video.

  • Comfortable with technology platforms like Google Suite, Squarespace, & Mailchimp

  • Comfortable with social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

  • Comfortable with basic graphic design principles; Experience with Canva preferred.

  • Outgoing demeanor and strong communication skills

  • Reliable and self-driven

  • Organized and comfortable with deadlines

  • Strong writing skills and project management skills are a plus

  • Priority is given to students in their final year of school

Schedule & Location

This position requires both remote and in-person work and interns should be prepared to regularly work on site and at various evening and weekend events at various locations within Chicago. Exact schedules will be determined in collaboration with the Managing Director. The High Concept Labs office is downtown in the Harris Theater at 205 E. Randolph St.

Compensation 

Compensation of up to $15/hour 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 and resume to angee@highconceptlabs.org. Application review begins Monday, July 28 with internships beginning on or near August 25, 2025. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

​​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.