The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a motivated and mission-driven intern to support the Center for Poverty Solutions. This intern will work closely with the Center’s Civics and Service Incubator to advance key coalition-building initiatives.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Institute’s mission of promoting free markets and liberty principles while gaining hands-on experience in poverty reduction efforts in the City of Chicago, community outreach, partnership development, policy research, communications and advocacy.
For 10 weeks, you will work from our Chicago office as a valued member of the Illinois Policy Institute team. You will collaborate with the Center’s executive director, policy fellow, community partners, analysts, policy experts and government affairs team to help create a freer and more prosperous Illinois. The position starts in June 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- Support coalition-building efforts by engaging new and existing community partners.
- Assist with partner communications and relationship management.
- Conduct research and data analysis to inform policy initiatives.
- Help develop and refine policy agendas focused on reducing poverty and expanding workforce participation.
- Create compelling written and digital content highlighting the Center’s work.
- Establish and document best practices for community engagement and workforce program effectiveness.
- Maintain email databases and assist with outreach efforts.
- Proofread and edit materials for publication.
- Contribute creative ideas through brainstorming, innovation and administrative support as needed.
Qualifications
- Strong interest in public policy, grassroots organizational development, workforce development, education, housing, reentry, civics, or free-market principles.
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in political science, economics, social sciences, American history, religion, journalism, data science, computer science or a related field.
- Excellent writing, research, and/or analytical skills.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office required; experience with Tableau or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
- Proactive mindset, eagerness to learn and alignment with the Illinois Policy Institute’s mission and values.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a temporary, full-time internship position lasting 10 weeks, with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week during the internship period.
Compensation is $18.00 per hour.
As a temporary internship position, this role is not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, dental or vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, or other fringe benefits.