Diversity Intern

MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.

Paid Interns

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour.

Required Documents:

• Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
• Cover letter stating interest in position.
• Resume.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year.
• Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
• You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD's Online Employment Center.

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

MWRD's Internship Program offers paid internship positions. While the main focus is on wastewater management, there are opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experience in a wide range of functions in each department.

Paid Interns

Paid interns are limited to 119 working days per calendar year and receive $18.00 per hour. They do not receive benefits or paid days off.

Required Documents:

• Letter of recommendation from a class instructor, professor, or Internship Coordinator from current school or university.
• Cover letter stating interest in position.
• Resume.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program in an accredited college or university and will be enrolled in the 2025/2026 school year.
• Permanent residency within the territorial boundaries of the MWRD (students may attend school outside the territorial boundaries).
• You must be a citizen or national of the United States, or an individual who is otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States.

Candidates are required to submit the Online Internship Application, cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation through MWRD's Online Employment Center.

Questions regarding the internship program may be directed to MWRDInternships@mwrd.org.

Position Title:

Diversity Intern

Department:

General Administration

Location:

Main Office Building

111 East Erie Street

Chicago, IL 60611

Description:

The Diversity Section is seeking a motivated and dynamic summer intern to
join our team. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to support
critical diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while gaining valuable
experience in event planning, contract compliance, certification, and advocacy.
The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and excited to engage with
the public and collaborate in a team environment. The Diversity Intern will
work under the supervision of the Diversity Administrator.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in
  planning and preparation for the 2025 Small Business Summit, including
  event logistics, outreach, and day-of coordination.
• Learn the
  fundamentals of contract compliance, certification processes, and advocacy
  and outreach efforts.
• Draft
  correspondence related to the Small Business Summit including press
  releases, emails, and other communications.
• Manage
  communications using platforms such as Eventbrite, Constant Contact, and
  Canva.
• Contribute to
  marketing efforts, including creating promotional materials and assisting
  with social media posts.
• Engage with the
  public, answering questions, providing guidance, and fostering positive
  connections.
• Draft and edit
  documents, presentations, and reports using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
  PowerPoint).
• Make outreach
  phone calls to businesses, stakeholders, and community partners as needed.
• Provide general
  administrative support to the Diversity team.

Qualifications:

• Strong writing
  and communication skills, with the ability to create clear, compelling,
  and professional content.
• Proficiency in
  Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity
  with platforms such as Eventbrite, Constant Contact, and Canva is
  preferred.
• Excellent
  interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team
  environment and independently.
• Comfortable
  engaging with the public, including making phone calls and responding to
  inquiries.
• Strong
  organizational skills, good judgment, and attention to detail.
• Creativity and
  a friendly, approachable demeanor.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Experience or
  interest in event planning, marketing, or community engagement.
• A proactive
  attitude with a willingness to take on challenges and learn new skills.
• Ability to
  manage multiple tasks effectively and meet deadlines.

This internship provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to
initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion while developing key
professional skills.

Diversity
interns will gain:

• Event Management Skills: Gain real-world experience
  in organizing and executing a large-scale event, from conceptual planning
  to post-event evaluation.
• Contract Compliance Basics: Develop an understanding of
  how contracts are monitored for inclusivity goals, including affirmative
  action requirements and apprenticeship standards.
• Certification Process: Learn the steps involved in
  certifying businesses, including document review and verification
  processes.
• Outreach & Advocacy
  Strategies:
  Understand how to effectively promote resources to businesses, build
  relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of
  diversity and inclusion goals.
• Professional Communication: Enhance writing and verbal
  communication skills by drafting a variety of materials, including
  correspondence, press releases, and promotional content.
• Technical Skills: Build expertise with
  software tools like Eventbrite, Constant Contact, Canva, and Microsoft
  Office, widely used in professional settings.
• Public Engagement: Develop confidence in
  engaging with the public, making presentations, and representing the
  Diversity team in a professional capacity.
• Team Collaboration: Gain insight into working
  effectively as part of a team, participating in brainstorming sessions,
  sharing ideas, and supporting group initiatives.
• Critical Thinking &
  Problem-Solving:
  Hone your ability to analyze situations, prioritize tasks, and make
  informed decisions while managing multiple responsibilities.

Educational Requirements:

Applicants must be a current graduate or undergraduate student seeking a degree.