The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next. It was a remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects, and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations – born of passion and practical ingenuity – shaped Chicago and the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day.

 

1871 inspires, equips, and supports founders, growth scalers, and innovators in building great businesses. We deliver unfair advantages at scale. The team supports ~420 young companies. 300+ growth stage members and 100+ partners made up of Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers, and leaders shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible.

 

Come to a place where you can share ideas, make mistakes, partner with others, work hard, grow professionally, and change the world with a bit of luck. If that sounds like you, join us!

 

1871 seeks a professionally driven, creative, and highly motivated copywriting intern to support its content creation strategy.

 

This role will assist the Creative Producer and Copywriter in brainstorming, writing, and editing a wide range of 1871 content, including for social media, event promotion, and blog features, as well as:

 

• Brainstorming & Planning: Contribute to team planning of future projects and assist in building the necessary framework and information needed to write. 
• Drafting & Editing: Write polished first drafts of 1871 content and participate in editing copy before publication. 
• Content Strategy: Own the 1871 content calendar and coordinate scheduled social media posts. 
• Learn the 1871 voice: Learn the 1871 mission, audience, and voice, and translate our persona into the written form.

 

Projects May Include: 

 

• Writing scheduled social media promotion for 1871 events and capitalizing on real-time social media opportunities by sharing and amplifying member news
• Actively aiding and participating in team brainstorms and content planning sessions
• Drafting internal and external promotional materials such as emails, Slack messages, and reminders.
• Interview and draft member feature stories for the 1871 blog. 
• Editing materials for 1871 announcements, including press releases and official email communications.

Requirements

 

• Background in writing for multiple mediums
• Editing proficiency
• History of receiving and implementing feedback 
• Strong interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship
• Self-starter and ability to work autonomously and in cross-functional teams
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Comfort with interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders
• Basic computer processing skills, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• College coursework or previous internship experience is preferred but not required
• 1-2 writing samples

Benefits

Letters of recommendation from our leadership team, college credit ( upon school approval), work with the best and brightest entrepreneurs and startups in the country, develop in-demand skills, and flesh out your resume with Context, Action, and Results

 

Time: Monday – Thursday, 10 am-4 pm (hours and time commitment may be flexible if agreed upon by the supervisor and the internship candidate prior to the start of the internship)

 

This internship is from June 3 to August 9, 2024 and can be in-person or remote.

 

About the company

 

The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next: A remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations – born of passion and practical ingenuity – shaped not just Chicago, but the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day.

 

Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible. If that sounds like you, join us.

Come to a place where you can share ideas, make mistakes, work hard, build your business and, with a little luck, change the world.

 

Welcome to 1871.

From photo-editing apps to interactive healthcare programs, 1871 has a member company that fits your interests and expertise! Whether you’re a designer, a marketing expert, or software developer, we have a startup looking for you. Each company is looking for a way to innovate their industry and is looking to do so in creative and original ways. We are looking to match you with one of our amazing member companies based on the information you provide to us and their current needs. If you believe that you have the skills and vision to help digital startups get their start, 1871 is the right place for you!