Communications Internship – Summer 2026, Full Time

Compensation Details
$22.00 per hour

Why should you join our team?
We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don't often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

Job Description
About this Role:

If you have a passion for Communications, a curious mind and a helpful spirit, join us in Summer 2026

As the Communications Intern, you will support several key projects and day-to-day initiatives in the Corporate Communications department, allowing you to get hands-on experience with editorial and creative content planning and development.

What You'll Do

• Write and edit intranet articles, landing pages, email newsletters and more communication materials for a range of the Corporate Communication department's key audiences including retailers, corporate and warehouse employees
• Brainstorm creative campaigns and new ways to communicate initiatives to our audiences
• Collaborate with other departments to develop and execute integrated communication and marketing plans for corporate projects and events
• Measure intranet readership metrics, interpret results and make recommendations based on data
• Develop and support event communications such as articles, save-the-dates, invitations and related materials
• Video ideation and script writing
• Assist, support and learn from communications team members and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Working toward a bachelor's degree as a rising senior or graduating senior
• Coursework and/or work experience in any of the following areas is preferred: strategic communication, marketing, journalism
• Strong writing and editing skills; knowledge of AP Style a plus
• Strong verbal communication skills and confidence
• Ability to organize complex topics into clear and concise language
• Organizational skills; ability to balance multiple assignments with a range of short-term and long-term deadlines
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify areas of opportunity and takes action
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Why Ace?

Ace Hardware (headquartered in Oak Brook, IL) is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks.

Ace has retained its #5 position in the annual Franchise Times Top 400 List in 2023. Unmatched customer service is a cornerstone of the Ace Hardware brand. We are a 100-year-old retailer that supports its owners with programs that leverage their local expertise, giving them a distinct advantage over their big box competitors and has resulted in Ace retailers being named by JD Powers #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retailers, 16 out of 18 years. The Helpful Spirit transcends the enterprise with Ace Hardware Corporation consistently ranking amongst the top workplaces in Chicagoland.

Location Description

Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you'll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria. We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team.

2026 Summer Internship Program Overview

Skills
The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in College today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here's what you will take away from your experience:

• Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines.
• Opportunity to display your skills during your "Final Pitch" presentation
• Q & A with Ace's CEO and Senior Leadership team
• Resume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunities
• Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation
• Teambuilding activities
• Hourly competitive compensation
• 12-week full time program

Your internship experience at Ace will give you the knowledge and skills future employers will look for Want to hear more? Please review our Glassdoor comments from former interns

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We want to hear from you
When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Disclaimer
The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual's education, training and experience, the position's work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.
Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview.
This written "Position Description" is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic/general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.