The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is currently accepting applications to fill the Communications Internship. The RTA oversees financing, secures funding, and conducts transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace. The RTA manages these three Service Boards' five-year capital programs. Also, to help riders with disabilities and older adults across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, the agency issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits, assesses eligibility for ADA Paratransit service, and oversees specialized travel training.
Under the direction of the Communications Manager and Communications Specialist, the Communications intern will support the goals of the department to develop and execute strategies that support the continued implementation of Transit is the Answer, enhance public opinion of the RTA and Service Boards, broaden the agency's audience, and deepen engagement with its stakeholders and the public. The Department's work prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and transparency. To accomplish these goals, the intern position will support the department's digital strategy across channels including blog posts, social media, videos, and newsletters, as well as traditional communication avenues such as press releases, media outreach, and web content.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to
- Works collaboratively with RTA staff to create content that accurately and persuasively conveys the regional importance of public transportation.
- Assists with posting RTA content across channels including the agency website, blog, social media, e-newsletters, speeches and talking points, and limited print collateral as needed. Writes, edits, reviews, and otherwise prepares content for distribution. Helps develop and maintain consistency of agency messaging across all platforms.
- Applies strategic and critical thinking to executing small- and large-scale communications strategies to achieve established goals for agency initiatives and programs.
- Uses a variety of standard online communication tools and technologies including content management systems (CMS), email marketing/newsletter platforms (i.e., Mailchimp), social media scheduling software (i.e., Sprout), and more to edit and publish work across channels.
- Acts in a manner which is consistent with the RTA's strategic goals and objectives as approved by the Board of Directors. Helps to ensure the confidentiality of all information.
- Performs other related accounting duties as required or assigned that contribute to the effectiveness of the department/division and RTA.
- The ideal candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Graduate student with education and skills in communication, journalism, urban planning, public administration, graphic design, or other similar fields.
Other Experience Includes
- Familiarity with use of standard online communications tools to create, publish, and maintain digital content.
- Interest or experience with transit or public transportation preferred.
- Strong skills in proofreading, editing, and overall quality control is required.
- Must have excellent attention to detail, with ability to write clearly and concisely for diverse audiences.
- Experience with Microsoft Word and familiarity with other Microsoft Office suite applications, including Teams and SharePoint preferred.
- Familiarity with InDesign and Photoshop is a plus.
The intern is expected to work up to 30 hours per week.
Salary will be $22.00 per hour.
For more information about the RTA, visit our website at: https://www.rtachicago.org/.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to
Regional Transportation Authority
Human Resources 25-COM
175 W. Jackson, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60604
To apply online: Select Apply, then "Login" to your account or create an account by selecting "Register".
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
