Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

Cook County: Department of Research, Operations and Innovation (ROI) The Department of Research, Operations and Innovation is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiencies and services in collaboration with all departments and agencies under Cook County government. The Department currently focuses on the following areas: Performance Management, Innovation and Research, and Data. The Performance Management team supports departments to improve their effectiveness by setting clear goals, developing performance metrics, aligning efforts with organizational objectives, tracking progress, and identifying areas for improvement. The Innovation and Research team works with departments to analyze current processes, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement solutions that enhance outcomes using a human centered and user design approach. The Data team is responsible for Department data analytics and management within the department and coordination with enterprise technology. ROI’s mission is to work with County departments to improve operational efficiencies and services while reducing costs and enhancing customer experience. Our goal is to support a culture of innovation and data driven decision making by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting annual discussions with departments about performance metrics, and collaborating on process improvement projects.

Internship Summary:

ROI is seeking an intern to assist with the development of best practice research, implementation of innovation and process design projects and key performance indicator (KPI) strategies. The ideal candidate would be a problem solver who can take the initiative to manage projects both independently and on a team.

Responsibilities:

Job Duties • Interview stakeholders, review business functions and requirements, and gather and analyze data through research and design to improve effective operational programs and systems • Suggest improvements to organizational structures and workflows and assist in the implementation of new plans and procedures • Conduct best practice research to inform future policy and procedure strategies • Draft processes to develop appropriate KPIs and performance metrics to measure success of improvement efforts and departmental programs • Assist in preparing business process mapping and related documentation using process mapping/flow charting tools

Preferred Qualifications:

Current student. Interest in leveraging data and innovative policies to transform government to ensure services are designed with product management in mind. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Analytical skills and ability to solve analytical problems • Ability to understand and grasp details, policies, protocols, systems and procedures • Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently • Excellent attention to detail • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (O365)

About the Supervisor:

Karl Gruschow, PhD is the Data Manager within ROI. His background is in the social sciences and applied research, however he has been working in the public sector for 13 years. First as an IT project manager implementing performance management systems as a vendor, then as criminologist and data manager with the State of Illinois. His particular area of expertise is leveraging operational data for research and data stewardship.

Eligibility:

-Graduate students -International and Domestic students

Location, Modality and Commute:

Our team is in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and works from home Mondays and Fridays. Ideally, our intern would follow that schedule but there is flexibility. Our office is located at 161 N. Clark, Chicago, Il 60602.

Start and End Date:

The Academic Year internships will take place according to the IOP’s timeline, with specific dates and weekly hours to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process:

• Onboarding: November – December 2025
• Intern Work Period: January – May 2026