Guest Services and Hospitality (summer only)

Responsibilities: Reports to Assistant General Manager and Front Desk Manager

• Work at the hostel's busy front desk, checking guests in and out and taking reservations

• Become proficient on RoomMaster, the hostel's reservation database

• Help with housekeeping management as needed

• Take travelers on at least one outing per month

• Engage with travelers to promote the city of Chicago experience

• Enter online reservations from booking engines into the hostel system

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent organization skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Outstanding ability to think creatively

• Ability to work on projects independently

• Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

• At least one strong reference

Group Sales and Marketing (summer only)

Responsibilities: Reports to Group Sales Manager

• Assist with identification and pursuit of new customers

• Generate repeat business and word of mouth recommendations

• Develop strategic marketing projects

• Conduct focus group studies

• Distribute and analyze group surveys and comments

• Welcome groups and create a friendly environment for all age groups

• Update online sales management systems

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent organization skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Outstanding ability to think creatively

• Ability to work on projects independently

• Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

• At least one strong reference

Communication Strategies

Responsibilities: Reports to Executive Director

• Develop the story of the hostel, tailored to specific audiences and media contacts

• Utilize communications tools including Facebook, Twitter, blogs, photo-sharing, video-sharing, among others to reach a wide audience

• Research and analyze HI-Chicago's communication strategies in comparison to other hostels in Chicago, in the USA and around the world, and make creative recommendations on ways to improve the hostel's brand awareness, engagement of the community and participation in its services

• Conduct focus groups to assess hostel performance, decision-making, and trends

• Plan and execute photo and video shoots to support publicity materials, advertising and brochures

• Assist staff and volunteers with events including bimonthly Travelixer bar events, annual fundraiser, and public events at the hostel such as open houses, music performances and art exhibits

• Secure media coverage of the hostel through local, national and international media

• Enhancement of hostel's image through public relations efforts

• Develop, write, send and follow up press releases

• Produce, revise, and deliver presentations in support of the hostel

• Assist in development and maintenance of partnerships throughout Chicago

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning, recent graduates may also apply
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good computer skills using MSOffice programs, Google apps
• Public relations experience and aptitude
• Prior experience working for nonprofit companies and relevant coursework, especially related to communications, are appreciated, but not required
• Prior travel experience, especially utilizing hostels, is appreciated, but not required

Nonprofit Development: Fundraising

Responsibilities: Reports to Executive Director

• Assist local supporters on three advisory boards: 1. Operations and Development, 2. Education Strategies, and 3. Event Committee. These advisory boards cover the range of services provided to the community by the hostel.

• Develop collateral materials for promotion of the hostel, fundraising meetings, and partnership development meetings. Materials include powerpoints, letters, reports, and annual report.

• Event planning as needed and depending on the calendar of events at the time of the internship. HI-Chicago produces a wide array of events for its various constituencies.

• Work closely with the Communication Strategies intern on promotion of events and development of collateral.

• Assist in fundraising efforts including foundation grant research and applications, appeals to individuals and corporations and special events

• Data and management using online tool eTapestry

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning, recent graduates may also apply

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Good computer skills using MSOffice programs, Google apps

• Prior experience working for nonprofit companies and relevant coursework, especially related to fundraising, nonprofit management, are appreciated, but not required

• Prior experience and success using communication tools to engage supporters is appreciated, but not required

• Prior travel experience, especially utilizing hostels, is appreciated, but not required

Education and Youth Outreach

Responsibilities: Reports to Education Coordinator and Education Programs Coordinator

 

About educational programs at HI-Chicago:

• Cultural Kitchen exposes 8-18 year-olds to the world outside of their neighborhoods and Chicago. Participants learn about a culture that is new to them, which includes making an authentic meal of the chosen culture. While at the hostel, the students interact with international travelers. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ck.shtml

• Exchange Neighborhoods teaches culturally isolated high school students in Chicago to interact with their peers of different backgrounds with an open mind and respect. Students engage in a dynamic neighborhood exchange day and overnight. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ens.shtml

• Girl Scout programming at the hostel helps girls earn Girl Scout age level awards. Hostel staff support troops with a range of options, including itinerary support, trip planning skill-building sessions, and cultural education, all of which help them earn the Discover the World: Girl Scouts Go Hostelling Patch. Engaging cultural activities help girls become global citizens who are connected to people and places near and far. http://www.hichicago.org/groups_girlscouts.shtml

• Community Walls teaches students cultural awareness and research skills as they prepare to share their daily experiences with others through creative artistic expression. http://www.hichicago.org/community_cw.shtml

Responsibilities:

• Precise responsibilities will vary depending on the current projects at the time of the internship. This list is an overview of possible responsibilities.

• Assist in curriculum development, delivery, and evaluation of all hostel educational programs

• Some administrative duties including research, communications with youth groups, data entry

• Prepare for programs at the hostel, including grocery shopping and set-up

• Position requires some evenings and weekends with student groups

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same, preferable education major
• Ability to work with economically disadvantaged youth ages 8-18
• Experience with program development and delivery 
•  At least one strong reference
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Activities and Volunteer Coordination

Responsibilities: Reports to Community Liaison

• Develop community partnerships in order to secure discounts and perks for travelers
• Organize and facilitate activities in the hostel and outings to attractions in the city
• Recruit, train and manage volunteers in conjunction with the Community Liaison
• Create and facilitate new traveler programs, outings, and walking tours
• Identify and maintain continuous connections with travelers and community members to uphold brand personality and presence
• Proper composition of social media posts while remaining in compliance with respective platforms' terms of service
• Assist in gathering new and up-to-date content (including photos, reviews, interviews) for HI-Chicago's official website and monthly newsletters

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Outstanding ability to think creatively
• Ability to work on projects independently
• Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• At least one strong reference 

Questions?

Contact Sharday El-Assar, Community Liaison, for more information.

• activities.chicago@hiusa.org
• 312-583-2227

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