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: January 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.

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements (minimum)

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

Physical Demands

Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional extended periods of time at computer terminals. Occasional visits to off-site or campus locations is required. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.

Benefits

• Gaining experience in education that focuses on recruiting, admissions and marketing

• Building relationships for networking once looking to start career

• We are a collaborative team of professionals supporting each other to instill a love of learning in our students.

• We empower students, families and staff to contribute to our mission in a meaningful way.

• We make an impact in our communities by serving some of the most historically marginalized in the city

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191