Outreach Intern

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking an Outreach Intern to support our grassroots engagement efforts across the state. This role is highly public-facing, with approximately half of the internship spent representing the Institute at fairs, festivals, and other public events working alongside full-time staff.

As an Outreach Intern, you'll serve as an ambassador for Illinois Policy Institute, engaging with Illinois residents, sharing our mission, and helping grow our supporter network.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing Illinois Policy Institute at public events and community fairs with staff members
• Engaging attendees in conversation about the Institutes mission and policy work
• Collecting contact information and feedback from the public
• Assisting with event setup, breakdown and logistics
• Supporting outreach projects, data entry and follow-up between events

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable initiating conversations with new people in public settings
• Sales, fundraising, canvassing, or customer-facing experience preferred
• Interest in public policy, outreach, or civic engagement
• Reliable, professional, and adaptable
• Willingness to travel statewide and work some evenings and weekends

What you'll gain:

• Hands-on experience in grassroots outreach and public engagement
• Mentorship from experienced outreach professionals
• Insight into the day-to-day work of a statewide policy organization

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.