Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

The Cook County Department of Research, Operations, and Innovation'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.

ROI is seeking an intern to assist with the development and rollout of automated data processing of performance metrics. The ideal candidate would be one with an interest in data science/engineering and analysis in an applied public sector setting.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a data pipeline for performance and budget data.
• Create Python scripts that import and standardize performance data from departments prior to writing into a database.
• Collaborate with ROI team members on setting standards and taxonomy for data storage and utilization. E.g. categorize data while preserving nuances.
• Create and test performance management dashboards using the Spider Impact platform, which the intern would learn on the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current graduate student.
• Working knowledge of Python in the context of importing and restructuring data.
• Interest in data automation, performance management, and change management in a public sector environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in Python
• Either a native English speaker, C2 level English proficiency or TOEFL iBT minimum of 29
• Ability to understand and grasp details, policies, protocols, systems and procedures
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to think at a long term, system level in terms of data needs.

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.

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:

Summer internships will take place during the period of June 10 - September 27, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.