Science Outreach

Illinois Science Council

Mentor 

Monica Metzler, Founder & Executive Director, Illinois Science Council

Background

Illinois Science Council (“ISC”) is an independent, volunteer-driven 501c3 organization that engages, educates, and entertains the adult public about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). ISC is serves as the adult complement to the many science-outreach organizations focused on K-12 students, and the science complement to Chicago’s many arts and humanities organizations. We showcase the scientists and research of Chicago-area institutions and companies that make Chicago our nation’s true “City of Science.” We offer unique public outreach programming and promote those done by other area institutions. Together, these efforts help to raise public awareness and understanding of the extraordinary amount of science research done in this region.

ISC creates public programs that bring scientists together with adults who want to cultivate their innate curiosity about STEM topics. Our brain/neuroscience programs have included, Your Brain on… Happiness, Creativity, Exercise, and Love, Sex and Oxytocin. Our chemistry programs have included Chemistry of… Beer, Chocolate, Coffee, Whiskey, Honey, and more. Our fundraising events include Science Cocktail Party (at which neuroscience students conduct experiments) and the annual Pi Day “Pi K” 3.14-mile fun run on March 14. ISC launched the Chicago Science Festival in 2015 to showcase area science institutions and researchers on a variety of topics. The 5^th Science Fest will be late May 2019. Spring quarter efforts can be in any of three areas:

1. Program Development – e.g., Pi Day and Chicago Science Festival;
2. Organization Development – e.g., grant research, database improvement, fundraising efforts); and,
3. Marketing/Communications – Blog content, website content, social media outreach

Internship Description

The intern(s) will assist with any or all of the following they have an interest in:

• Research, development, marketing, execution and evaluation of the Pi Day promotion and 3.14-mile Fun Run
• Research, development, marketing, execution and evaluation of any other ISC public programs that take place during the quarter or explored for later in the year (or that intern comes up with!)
• Research and development for the 2019 Chicago Science Festival
• Fundraising projects — grant research and writing, corporate and foundation research and materials development, individual fundraising campaigns, and donor communication
• Marketing and promotion for ISC’s mission and programs, i.e., website content, e-newsletters, social media, digital ad campaigns (including Google AdWords), media outreach, etc.
• Science Communications – assisting ISC blog and podcast committees with research, content development, writing, editing, etc.
• Data analysis and development of database systems for ISC’s donor/fan management, including Google Analytics, and Hubspot.

Qualifications

ISC is a small organization in fast-growth mode in the fast-growing field of science outreach. Interns must be willing to take a lot of initiative and work independently. Good communication skills, an interest in the nonprofit sector, and an entrepreneurial attitude are assets. Familiarity with Microsoft Office required. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) databases (e.g., Hubspot, Salesforce, Zoho), WordPress websites, and/or Google products (Docs, Analytics, AdWords, YouTube for nonprofits) is welcomed but not required.

Logistical Details

ISC will reimburse for any travel required outside of public transit and will cover costs of any seminars or webinars the intern and Executive Director agree will be worthwhile. ISC operates virtually, without a fixed office space and also doesn’t have set business hours, so work can be done daytime, evenings or weekends, as long as projects are completed in a timely manner. The Executive Director and Intern will meet regularly either in person (at a Chicago loop office, coffeehouse or library), or by phone to discuss projects.

Your application must include a current CV and a cover letter describing why this internship is relevant to your career goals.

​Still wondering whether you should apply for this internship?

• It’s off-campus and outside of academia and the ivory tower
• Experience the start-up/entrepreneurial life
• Great introduction to the science outreach field
• Opportunity to pick a project and run with it or learn a new skill
• Up-close view of the science communication world