Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:
The Civic Committee, a committee of the Commercial Club composed of the leaders of our region’s leading private-sector employers, works with public officials, and other civic organizations on game-changing initiatives to promote our region's social and economic well-being. We are committed to making our region a better place for everyone to live, work, and do business. Through our key focus areas and the work of our affiliated organizations, we address the most pressing issues facing the Chicago region. These projects change over time and currently include efforts on public safety, business diversity, education, state finance, technology, and transportation and infrastructure.

Internship Summary:
You will join the Civic Committee at a dynamic time as we are developing our strategic vision and plan for the next 10 years. The strategy will be grounded in an assessment of the Chicago region’s assets as well as a clear-eyed view of its challenges. We will be identifying new areas of policy focus that would benefit from greater business engagement to ensure Chicago continues to be a great place for people to work, live, and do business.

Responsibilities:
- Conduct research for the strategic planning effort including economic data and trends affecting the Chicago region.
- Collaborate with our consultants that are helping to organize the strategic planning process.
- Develop meeting materials for meetings with our members on strategic planning topics.
-Write articles for our monthly newsletter.
- Source and analyze data related to policy issues, contributing to evidence-based research on topics such as human capital development, workforce systems reforms, community and economic development.
- Collaborate with your supervisor to help clarify priorities and determine appropriate assignments for graduate vs undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Pursuing a degree with a focus on political science, government, law, economics, public policy, or statistics.
-Effective team player with a positive attitude.
- Proficient in data analysis and possess strong writing skills.
- Proficiency in Excel, Powerpoint, and keen attention to detail.
- Familiarity with survey platforms is a plus.
- Familiarity with MailChimp or Constant Contact is a plus.

About the Supervisor:
Your supervisor will be Erika Poethig, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Planning. Before joining Civic Committee, Erika led the development of President Biden’s housing and urban policy agenda at the White House Domestic Policy Council. She has also held senior positions at the Urban Institute, in the Obama Administration and at the MacArthur Foundation. She earned her M.P.P. at UChicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and her B.A. at The College of Wooster.

Location, Modality and Commute:
Our team is in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Ideally our intern would work in the office on at least three of those days as their schedule permits. Beginning in May, our offices will be located at: 190 S. LaSalle Street. From Hyde Park, students can take Metra or the CTA bus downtown.

Start and End Date:
Summer internships will take place from June 10 to September 27, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process. We would welcome extending our internship through the academic year.