Student and Family Recruitment Intern

Job Title: Student Recruitment Intern
Location: 910 W. Van Buren, Ste. 315, Chicago, IL 60607
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Engagement
Hourly Rate: Starting at $20.00
Employee Type: Temporary, Part-Time (20-40 hours)
Start Date: May 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem‑solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Distinctive Schools is seeking a dynamic and motivated Student Recruitment Intern to support our efforts to recruit students and families to attend Distinctive Schools. Student Recruitment interns play a crucial role in attracting and engaging prospective students and families to join our school community. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in education, admissions, recruitment, community outreach, and marketing to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic and innovative educational organization.

The student recruitment intern will work as part of the Engagement team towards achieving target enrollment goals at eight (8) Distinctive Schools campuses across the city of Chicago. This role will serve as a true ambassador of Distinctive Schools, representing the organization through written, verbal, and in‑person communication, presentation, and relationship‑building.

Collaborate on site with the DS Deputy Chief of Engagement, Student Recruitment & Enrollment Manager, engagement team members, and recruitment and enrollment leads at each DS school.

• Conduct outreach and build relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, day care centers, and other community contacts.
• Research community event opportunities for participation.
• Represent Distinctive Schools in person at festivals and other community events.
• Build out community databases and facilitate outreach of current contacts – via phone, email, and in‑person – with community arts, education, faith‑based, and other organizations.
• Distribute recruitment materials at area businesses and other external partners.
• Identify opportunities to meet prospective families – and confidently share the story of Distinctive Schools in new, creative and dynamic ways.
• Hold 1:1 conversations with current and prospective families and students.
• Assist in the planning and execution of recruitment events, including open houses, information sessions, and community outreach activities.
• Provide support to prospective families during the application process, offering guidance and information about the school's programs, admissions requirements, and deadlines.
• Assist in maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date records of prospective students, applications, and recruitment efforts to ensure effective tracking and reporting.
• Work closely with the admissions team, school administrators, and other stakeholders to align recruitment strategies with the school's mission and values.
• Support all aspects of the Distinctive Schools Recruitment Enrollment Pipeline.
• Assist with the recruitment of family and community volunteers to support and build capacity around greater efforts.

Education: High School Diploma and Currently enrolled as a student in a relevant field (e.g., education, marketing, communications, or related disciplines).

Qualifications:

• Ability to travel around the city of Chicago.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment; develop an awareness of and respect for the customs and cultures of DS students, staff and families.
• Must be available to work afternoon, evening, and weekend hours.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Enthusiastic about education and passionate about creating positive change in the lives of students.
• Familiarity with digital marketing and social media platforms OR ability to learn said digital tools.

Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods of time at…