Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization: The Governor’s Office (Federal Affairs Office) advocates for Illinois’ legislative and policy priorities within Congress and the Administration and also serves as the chief liaison for facilitating communication between state and federal officials and their staffs.

Internship Summary: The Federal Affairs Intern position is an excellent opportunity for a current college attendee to gain hands-on experience working at the intersection of federal and state government while gaining the professional and interpersonal tools for their future careers. This position is specifically based with the Governor’s Office’s federal affairs team who manage a wide variety of activities related to state-federal government interactions. The Federal Affairs Staff Intern will report directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Federal Affairs and will be expected to build relationships with GO staff, state agency staff and with staff members from Illinois’ Congressional Delegation.

Responsibilities: The Federal Affairs Intern will assist the Federal Affairs team with:

• Assist the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director in developing and implementing strategies to mobilize the Illinois Congressional Delegation and other coalitions to support Illinois priorities and projects
• Track Illinois’ share of federal funds.
• Disseminating relevant news and guidance coming from the Governor’s Office or other state agencies and disseminating to congressional staff.
• Conduct research and occasionally draft memorandums on certain legislation moving through Congress and how it might impact Illinois and its constituents.
• Other various administrative tasks, such as: standing up staff calls and Congressional briefing calls, tracking and clipping relevant news, writing internal ILGO Fed Affairs memos/updates, updating/refreshing Congressional, White House and Administration contact lists.
• Tracking federal program authorizations, annual appropriations bills and state government administration of federal programs.
• Support the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director with liaising with Congress, the White House, and the Administration on a wide range of issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be majoring in or have a demonstrated interest in public policy, political science, government affairs, or a similar focus
• Should be able to demonstrate their ability to effectively and clearly communicate during their possible interview process, especially within their written materials

About the Supervisor: Your supervisor will be Badiki Ebenja.

Location, Modality and Commute: The intern will be permitted to work in the Chicago office (555 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60601) with one remote day or work in the Washington, D.C. office (444 North Capitol St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001) with two remote days. If you choose the D.C. office you must make your own accommodations.

Start and End Date: Summer internships will take place from June 9 to September 26, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.