American Cancer Society Internship

Patricia Sanderson Memorial College Internship Program

Summary

Patricia Sanderson of Rockford, Illinois was a distinguished, 35-year Illinois Division volunteer. Her contributions and leadership enabled the Society to realize remarkable achievements, particularly in the communications and advocacy arena.

In Mrs. Sanderson’s memory, the officers of the Illinois Division Board of Directors have established the Patricia Sanderson Memorial Internship Program as a tribute to her commitment to solidifying the brand presence and public affairs activities of the American Cancer Society in Illinois. Through this internship program, now in its third year, a deserving undergraduate college student will be selected to assist the Society in accomplishing its communications and advocacy goals in Illinois, while enabling the student to gain meaningful workplace experiences that will assist high-potential professionals in their related fields of study and career pursuits.

Internship

Students will work aside key staff in the Division Headquarters office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, for a 10-week period in the summer to provide public relations and marketing communications support for the Illinois Division. The intern will formally report to the Director of Public Relations. Wherever possible, his/her support will target key advocacy initiatives. Among the tasks to be included in this assignment:

• Preparation of press materials and pitching the news media on behalf of the Society
• Monitoring and measurement of how the Society is portrayed in the media
• Development of other key communications materials, such as brochures, key messaging and speeches, that assist the communications and advocacy functions
• Public relations planning and execution of key communications initiatives, including the Research Student Intern Program and mission/mission outreach activities
• Communications outreach tied to key advocacy priorities, including access to health care
• Collaborating with volunteers who assist in our outreach and as spokespersons

Eligibility

Undergraduate college students must meet the following application criteria:

• Either attend an Illinois-based school or be an Illinois resident
• Have completed their sophomore year of college
• Have a minimum of a B average (cumulative 3.0 on 4.0 scale)
• Plan to continue their education in the following term/semester
• Are pursuing a degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs or a related field and have related aptitudes

Application Process

The Illinois Division will begin to accept applicants for this internship opportunity in January 2010. Applicants are required to provide in full a completed application portfolio that includes the following five documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 500-word essay summarizing their career interests and intentions within the communications/advocacy arena
• Two written references from academic/professional sources addressing the student’s credentials based on the internship’s skill requirements (noted above)
• Students chosen for finalist interviews will be asked to provide an official transcript attesting to their GPA and favorable standing as a full-time student

Applicants also will be required to complete a standard internship application form and comply with all ACS standard pre-employment screening procedures including a criminal background investigation.

Deadline for submitting an application is February 15, 2010

Applications portfolios can be mailed or e-mailed to:

Tracey McFadden

225 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1200

Chicago, IL 60601

Tracey.mcfadden@cancer.org

Finalist interviews will be scheduled in March, and a decision will be announced in April.

Compensation

The intern will be paid at the rate of $12 per hour, and in accordance with the Division’s standard payroll processing schedule. The intern’s employment status will be designated as nonexempt, limited/temporary, and non benefits-eligible. The intern’s typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may vary based on business need and Division headquarters operating schedules. The intern will not be eligible for holiday pay.

ACS Policies

The intern will be subject to ACS Employment, Finance and other policies and procedures, as applicable for their position, and will be required to sign an Employee Handbook acknowledgement. The intern may be eligible for mileage reimbursement, subject to Division Finance policy. The intern will be an employee “at-will,” which means that the Society may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.