Job Opening: Seeking Ag Communications Intern

Location: Part-time, Hybrid (w/weekly meeting in Monticello, Illinois)  
Hours: 3-5 hours/week for 3 months
Paid: $15/HR  
Eligible for credit: Yes  

About Our Independently Owned Consultancy  
We are a Monticello, Illinois-based woman & Latina owned Brand Strategy + Corporate Communication + Facilitation consultancy with clients and partners in Illinois, California, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Puerto Rico, and South America.  

At Santos McLeese, we believe...   
Data drives creative brand and communication solutions with measurable business results.  
Conscious, heart-centered leadership fosters impactful collaboration at all levels.   
Authentic, purpose-driven brands and leaders always “win.”   

In addition to delivering brand strategy and corporate communication counsel, Stefanie Santos McLeese is also a sought-after facilitator, moderator, speaker, and workshop leader with endorsements and testimonials from her executive and C-suite clients and an upcoming workshop for NFL Legends during Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans this February. 

At Santos McLeese, our brand promise is to come alongside our clients as a business partner, helping them clearly articulate and live their brand with authenticity and integrity across their operations, multiplying their business value now and in the future.  

ABOUT THE ROLE
Santos McLeese is seeking a highly motivated and organized Communications Intern to join our team for a three-month project for an agricultural client. We are searching for enthusiastic, skilled, and confident students who are eager to dive in, learn, and practice fundamental, valuable brand, marketing, and communications skills. Applicants should have a strong writing background and analytical skills with a marketing or communications major (or related field). 

We are business partners to our clients, using communication as an instrument of strategy to achieve measurable business objectives. Your role as an intern is designed to observe and practice the brand development process and understand reputation management principles, while also actively contributing to client success in a hands-on, meaningful way, as directed. 

Students must be able to commit to the full three months of the internship and sign a legal non-disclosure privacy agreement. They also must be available to routinely meet in person in Monticello, IL once a week between Monday and Thursday, 9 AM - 3 PM. The exact day of the week and time TBD based on student and Santos McLeese team availability. 

Responsibilities: 

Media Relations: 

• Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with local media outlets. 
• Monitor media inquiries and ensure that they are responded to in a timely and professional manner. 
• Work with the Communications team to develop media pitches and press releases. 

Public Engagement: 

• Assist in planning and coordinating up to five public forums, including identifying venues, managing invitations, and facilitating discussions. 
• Assist in organizing briefings for key local stakeholders. 
• Provide support for other stakeholder engagement activities as assigned. 

Content Creation: 

• Work alongside our team to review and edit content for accuracy, tone, and messaging consistency. 
• Assist in the creation of print materials for public distribution. 

Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in a higher-ed degree program in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Strong written and verbal communications skills  
• Willingness to learn and adapt on the go  
• Ability to multi-task and work with strict deadlines on short notice  
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills; superior attention to detail 

Benefits: 

• Gain valuable experience in brand management, community relations, media relations, and public engagement. 
• Work on a real-world project with a positive impact on the community. 
• Learn from experienced professionals in the communications field. 

Application Instructions
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample to Stefanie Santos McLeese at stefanie@santosmcleese.com; CC Hannah@santosmcleese.com using the subject line: Intern Candidate + [Insert Name]. You are welcome to attach any additional supporting files you think would be appropriate for consideration in your candidacy.