Center 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.