Center for Poverty Solutions Intern

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 Centers Civics and Service Incubator to advance key coalition-building initiatives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Institutes 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 Centers executive director, policy fellow, community partners, analysts, policy experts and government affairs team to help create a freer and more prosperous Illinois.

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 Centers 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 Institutes 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.