Digital Marketing/SEO Intern - Chicago, IL - AZEK
James HardieJames Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
As an intern at James Hardie, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, whether it be HR, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, IT, or another function. This is a 12-week paid internship program designed to provide you with valuable insights into the industry, enhance your skills, and prepare you for a successful career. You will work closely with experienced professionals, contributing to real projects that impact our business. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive mentoring opportunities to help guide your professional development.
Internship Objective:
The SEO Intern will gain hands-on experience with core SEO tools and techniques while working closely with an experienced subject matter expert in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment. Through practical tasks such as keyword research, competitor analysis, performance reporting, and site audits, the intern will build a strong understanding of how users discover content and what drives search visibility, AI visibility, and organic performance. The role also offers exposure to technical SEO fundamentals and collaboration with the broader web team to understand how SEO supports overall digital goals.
What You’ll Do:
General Responsibilities:
- Work with team members on diverse projects and tasks.
- Perform research and analysis to aid project objectives.
- Create reports, presentations, and necessary documentation.
- Engage in team meetings and share ideas.
- Learn and implement industry best practices and company standards.
Digital Marketing Responsibilities:
- Conduct competitor analysis and keyword gap analysis of top brands in the manufacturing - outdoor living and exteriors industries
- Aid with SEO performance reporting (learn what KPIs are important for high-level dashboards, how to conduct a monthly performance report and communicate it to stakeholders, and what indicators require further research)
- Contribute to blog topic discovery and learn how SEO contributes to content creation and optimization across marketing teams
- Provide SEO recommendations for top conversion pages
- Attend meetings, meet team members, and learn how SEO contributes to the broader organization’s goals
What You’ll Bring:
- Must be enrolled in a bachelor's program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028 (rising junior or rising senior).
- Demonstrated strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Must be available to work full-time for 12 weeks during the summer of 2026.
- Must have reliable transportation to and from the work location.
- Must be authorized to work in the US.
Preferred Skills:
- Basic knowledge of SEO: Understanding search engine fundamentals and how content is optimized.
- Basic understanding of websites and the digital landscape: Familiarity with how websites function, common platforms, and digital trends.
- Curiosity: A natural drive to explore new ideas, tools, and industry developments.
- Attention to detail: Ability to spot inconsistencies, ensure accuracy, and maintain high-quality work.
- Analytical mindset: Comfort interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing insights.
- Willingness to learn: Openness to feedback, new skills, and evolving responsibilities.
- Strong communication skills: Clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $22 to $25. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and may change over time
- Full-time work experience and competitive pay
- Meaningful projects
- Mentorship and guidance
- Feedback and evaluation
- Company culture
- Networking opportunities and skill development
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This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you’ll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.