2026-2027 LIFT Internship - HR Team

Overview

Only open to LIFT students.

About us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 140 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

As a LIFT Intern for HR Community Engagement, you will collaborate with the HR team and the RK Foundation with a specific focus on The Coles County Compass.

Community Engagement & Outreach:

• Visit local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to gather stories, photos, and insights. 
• Support HR and RK Foundation efforts to strengthen relationships within the local community. 
• Assist with on-site community events and engagement activities tied to Rural King and the RK Foundation. 

Content Creation & Storytelling:

• Create written, photo, and short-form video content that highlights local businesses, community members, and regional initiatives. 
• Contribute stories and features for The Coles County Compass, helping showcase what makes Coles County a great place to live, work, and visit. 
• Assist in gathering and organizing content that supports employer branding and community awareness. 

Social Media & Digital Support

• Support social media content creation and posting on Rural King and Compass platforms. 
• Help draft captions, schedule posts, and monitor engagement related to community initiatives. 
• Collaborate with team members to generate creative ideas for digital storytelling. 

Newsletter & Communications Support

• Assist with internal and external newsletter content, including story collection, drafting, and layout support. 
• Help highlight community partnerships, events, and foundation initiatives through regular communications. 

Collaboration with RK Foundation

• Work closely with the RK Foundation team to support The Coles County Compass, a community guide and storytelling platform. 
• Assist with content planning, organization, and execution aligned to foundation goals and community development initiatives. 
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

Essential Qualities for Success

• Must be a current LIFT student in Mattoon, IL, enrolled in communications, marketing, or related field.
• Comfortable creating basic content using tools such as smartphones, Canva, or similar platforms.
• Organized, dependable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willing to travel locally to visit businesses and community partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

 Physical Requirements 

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related activities. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The pay rate for this position is $15.00 per hour. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws. To learn more about our benefits, review here https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:14539c15-191a-4b77-9c13-f6ccfce10094.

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