Marketing Intern

Written By Carly Pearlman

Job Type:  Employee, part-time
Salary:  $15-25/hour (commensurate with experience)
Reports To: Marketing & Development Manager
Start Date:  Fall 2026
Location:  Hybrid, Chicago, IL
Hours:  Approximately 20 hours per week

JOB SUMMARY

Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented Marketing Intern to support our marketing and communications initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging marketing professional to gain hands-on experience in arts marketing, digital communications, content creation, and event promotion while contributing to a vibrant Chicago cultural organization.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, comfortable with social media, visually creative, highly organized, and excited to help connect diverse audiences with South Asian arts and culture.

ABOUT KALAPRIYA

Kalapriya is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization dedicated to empowering communities through the power of South Asian performing arts. Based in Chicago, Kalapriya serves as a cultural mainstay, drawing in diverse communities from Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and beyond, to provide a platform for cross-cultural exchange.

Through transformative dance, music, education, and community outreach, Kalapriya blends traditional and contemporary performances that showcase the beauty of South Asian culture and address the urgent need for dialogue across communities. Kalapriya fosters pride in cultural heritage while building inclusive spaces for all Chicagoans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Social Media & Content Creation

  • Create, schedule, and publish engaging content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

  • Capture photo and video content at classes, rehearsals, performances, and community events.

  • Develop short-form video content, including Instagram Reels and TikTok videos.

  • Write engaging captions and promotional copy that reflect Kalapriya's voice and mission.

  • Monitor social media engagement and help grow Kalapriya's online audience.

Event & Program Marketing

  • Support marketing campaigns for concerts, dance performances, workshops, classes, and community events.

  • Promote events through local cultural organizations, community partners, and event-listing platforms.

  • Create and maintain Facebook events for upcoming programs.

  • Identify new promotional opportunities, community partnerships, and audience-development channels.

  • Assist with outreach to local media, community organizations, and potential promotional partners.

Graphic Design & Digital Marketing

  • Design promotional graphics for social media, email campaigns, websites, and printed materials using Canva.

  • Assist with the development and distribution of email newsletters and event announcements.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date class and event information on Kalapriya's Squarespace website.

  • Ensure consistency with Kalapriya's visual identity and brand guidelines across marketing materials.

Marketing Coordination & Analytics

  • Help maintain a marketing calendar and coordinate promotional deadlines.

  • Track social media engagement, email campaign performance, and other basic marketing metrics.

  • Research marketing trends, audience interests, and new opportunities to increase visibility.

  • Collaborate with staff, artists, and community partners to gather content and promote programs.

  • Provide general marketing and administrative support as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in marketing, communications, public relations, graphic design, arts administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Familiarity with Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

  • Experience creating graphics and promotional materials using Canva.

  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, fast-paced nonprofit environment.

  • Enthusiasm for arts, culture, and community engagement.

  • Availability to attend occasional evening or weekend events to capture content.

Preferred

  • Understanding and appreciation of South Asian cultures, languages, and artistic traditions.

  • Experience with Squarespace, Slack, and Google Workspace.

  • Experience with photography, video editing, and short-form video production.

  • Familiarity with email marketing platforms and basic digital marketing analytics.

  • Previous experience in arts marketing, nonprofit communications, or event promotion.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

  • Hands-on experience developing and executing marketing campaigns for a Chicago arts organization.

  • Opportunities to build a professional portfolio of social media content, promotional graphics, and digital campaigns.

  • Exposure to live performance production, arts administration, and community engagement.

  • Experience collaborating directly with artists, arts administrators, and cultural organizations.

  • Opportunities to develop professional skills in digital marketing, content strategy, and audience development.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience to info@kalapriya.org.

Applicants are encouraged to include examples of social media content, graphic design work, or other relevant creative projects, if available.

Email Subject: Marketing Intern Application

No phone calls, please.

Kalapriya is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Carly Pearlman
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