David Axelrod, AB '76
David is a preeminent American political strategist and commentator; the former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama; and senior political commentator for CNN; and host of The Axe Files podcast.
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Staff
Zeenat Rahman
Zeenat previously led the Aspen Institute’s Inclusive America Project, served at the U.S. State Department as a special advisor to Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry; and as acting director at the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives at USAID.
Koran Addo
Before joining the IOP, Koran worked as Director of Communications for the St. Louis Mayor’s Office and as a political and education reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and other publications.
Joel Ebert
Joel joined the IOP in November 2021, after spending nearly a decade reporting on state legislatures and government in South Dakota, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Illinois. His award-winning reporting has garnered national recognition.
Christine Hurley
Christine began at the IOP as Associate Producer then Director of the Speaker Series. Before joining the IOP, Christine was Associate Producer for “Chicago Tonight,” a nightly news magazine on PBS where she was nominated for three Emmy Awards.
Ashley Jorn
Ashley joined the IOP in 2015 as the program coordinator for the Pritzker Fellows and Speaker Series teams. She’s held her current position with the Pritzker Fellows program since 2017. Prior to joining the IOP, Ashley worked in education as a teacher, tutor, and coach.
Jalen Larry
Jalen joined the IOP’s Communications Team in Spring 2021. He previously worked as a multimedia specialist for NFL Films, Gatorade Media Lab, and Nordstrom, specializing in photography, videography, and graphic design.
Katrina Mertens
Katrina joined the IOP in the fall of 2012. Prior to joining the IOP, Katrina worked at the Illinois State Board of Education, Before that, Katrina worked in the narcotics unit of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
Purvi Patel
Purvi joined the IOP in February 2019. She previously worked as an administrator in diversity and student life at Washington University in St. Louis, Loyola University Maryland, and Oberlin College.
Alicia Sams
Alicia has 20-plus years of experience producing and directing award-winning documentaries and films, including chronicling the presidential campaign of then-Senator Barack Obama for HBO, resulting in the Emmy Award-winning film “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama.”
Mark Schauerte
Before joining the IOP, Mark served as chief of staff to Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL. Mark is an attorney and practiced law in Chicago in addition to working as an award-winning journalist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Chicago Lawyer.
Allyson Siegal
Allyson has served as the Chief of Staff to IOP Director David Axelrod since June 2017. She also co-produces “The Axe Files” and “Hacks on Tap” podcasts. Prior to joining the IOP, Allyson worked on Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s reelection campaign.
Matilda Thornton Clark
Before joining the IOP, Matilda worked as an organizer and organizing director with student public research interest groups, running campaigns to turn out the youth vote in elections.
Careers at The IOP
In all job openings, we seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join a vibrant, mission-driven organization. The IOP encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to engage with students, stakeholders, and the broader community.
Current Openings
Director, Speaker Series
The Director of Speakers Series is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and quarterly planning of enriching and engaging content for the Institute of Politics’ robust Speakers Series. This series sponsors 100+ public programs each year, bringing to campus over 200 leaders from the political, policy, foreign affairs, journalism, activism, and nonprofit sectors. Please review the full job description here. Internal candidates can apply on Workday, number JR13889
Content & Digital Communications Specialist
The Content & Digital Communications Specialist plays a crucial role in publicizing Institute of Politics programming through social media, digital outreach, and community engagement. Please review the full description here. Internal applicants can apply through Workday, number JR 13718
Program Coordinator, Career Development
The Program Coordinator reports to the Director of Career Development and is responsible for assisting with the management of the IOP’s student internship programs, including paid, substantive opportunities around the world for more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students each summer and during the academic year. Please review the full job description here. Internal applicants can apply through Workday, number JR13960
Multimedia Specialist
The Multimedia Specialist is responsible for the planning, design and creation of multimedia content across all of the IOP’s program areas. Working closely with Institute of Politics staff and UChicago students, this person is responsible for proactively creating content, and using that content – whether it be photos, videos, graphics, podcasts, posters or otherwise – in a variety of contexts to further the communications goals of the IOP. Please review the full job description here. Internal candidates can apply on Workday, number JR14644