Social Media Intern - Fall 2026
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI conducts transformative science that benefits the people, economy, and environment of Illinois, the nation, and the world.
About this role
The social media intern will work directly with the social media coordinator and Strategic Communications team to strategize, craft and execute content for various platforms.
Applicants should be interested in social media, storytelling, science communication, and digital content creation using video and photography. Ideal candidates are creative thinkers with strong writing and communication skills, who can manage multiple projects and offer thoughtful input. Interest in applied science is a plus!
Under direction of the social media coordinator, the social media intern will:
- Brainstorm and create social media content, including captions, images and video across multiple platforms.
- Monitor social media metrics to inform audience growth and engagement.
- Research and write stories for use in social media and other communication channels (such as PRI’s websites and newsletters).
- Assist in developing social media awareness and skills among interested PRI staff.
- Represent PRI in a positive and authentic voice.
The social media intern will be paid $15/hour and will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week during standard business hours (M-F, 8 am to 5 pm) during the Fall 2026 semester. Sheduling is flexible and will accommodate the student’s class schedule and U of I holidays/breaks. Workspace will be provided at the Natural Resources Building, 615 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign.
Eligibility
Must be at least in your second year working toward your undergraduate degree and in good academic standing. Graduate students may also apply.
What you get
- Work alongside a professional team of writers, designers, and science communicators.
- Engage with expert scientists across multiple disciplines.
- Develop creative, multimedia stories.
- Strengthen institutional branding and voice.
- Build a digital portfolio showcasing content strategy.
Instructions
To apply, please send the following documents to social-media@prairie.illinois.edu.
- Your resume
- A short cover letter
- A short written response (no more than 500 words) outlining a social media strategy for a hypothetical event — see exercose prompt below.
Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.
Exercise Prompt
Imagine you are the social media lead promoting a major science event for school-aged kids, families, and teachers. In 500 words or less, describe:
- How would you build awareness before, during, and after the event?
- What platforms would you prioritize and why?
- What types of media would you use?
- What tone or style would you use in the captions?
- What would you need to do ahead of time to ensure the content plan runs smoothly?
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.