KIP Summer 2026 - Policy Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

Stand Together

1d • $7,500 - $7,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in their government, but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home. The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization.
The Illinois Policy Institute believes:
That civil and personal liberties must be protected and preserved.
Illinois should be a place where people of all talents, interests and cultural backgrounds can succeed with hard work and ingenuity.
In effective, efficient, honest and transparent government that is accountable to taxpayers and residents in need, not political special interests.
That the best policies empower people – and limit the power of government.
That a public pension system that threatens to bankrupt our state, drive down economic growth and evaporate retirements for public-sector workers is immoral — but that modest reforms can solve this crisis.
Property taxes must be brought under control so people are not forced out of their homes.
Workers deserve the right to choose whether a labor union serves their values and interests.
Economic policy should focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all.
Voters deserve choices at the ballot box and no politician is entitled to a “safe” seat.
Each child should have access to educational opportunities that prepare them for the future.

If you’re looking for a boring internship full of rotes tasks and little learning, this is NOT the opportunity for you.

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a full-time, in-person intern to be part of a high-performing team on which you’ll learn how to conduct research that makes a difference. You’ll help analyze policies that make it harder for Illinoisans to thrive and to craft free market solutions that will bring more liberty, opportunity, and prosperity to all, especially the least well off.

For the duration of your internship, you’ll work in our Chicago office a few days per week (exact number negotiable) as a member of our policy team.

Requirements

• Have or be working toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree with a focus on political science/government, law, economics, econometrics, public policy, or statistics
• Have excellent data analysis and writing skills, proficiency in Excel, attention to detail, the ability to work as part of a team, and a positive attitude

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to data analysis software R/SAS/STATA

Responsibilities

• Conduct research for articles and reports on poverty and social mobility, economics, jobs, housing, taxes, budgets, pensions, and more
• Source and analyze data related to policy issues
• Write articles about a wide range of policies affecting Illinoisans
• File Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover government data not available to the general public
• Fact-check research by Institute policy experts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern