Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

Founded in 2013 by David Axelrod, the Institute of Politics, a non-partisan, extracurricular organization at the University of Chicago, aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of political and public service leaders. Four core programs form the heart of the Institute: civic engagement opportunities that enable students to experience politics-in-action through political exploration trips, leadership training, service programs and voter engagement projects; visiting fellowships where distinguished political officials, policymakers, journalists, diplomats and others are in residence on campus during an academic quarter; political and public service internships that provide students with paid, substantive career development opportunities; and a continuous series of public events featuring leading political figures sharing their insights on key issues of the day.

The IOP House Intern program offers students the opportunity to work closely with IOP staff to facilitate operations and programming, playing a central role in supporting the IOP's many activities and initiatives. Interns gain valuable knowledge and skills in public and social service as well as in specific program areas. IOP House Internships are available to undergraduate students, are paid, and are eligible for work study. Graduate Assistant positions are available to graduate students, are paid, and are eligible for work study.

Internship Summary:

​The Bridge Program at the IOP is a student group that is supported and advised by IOP civic engagement staff. Bridge currently includes a creative writing workshop at the Illinois Youth Center - St Charles (IYC) and a voting rights/civic education workshop at Cook County Jail. Bridge aims to introduce writing as a tool of self-expression to incarcerated individuals. Our volunteers are passionate about issues of mass incarceration and reforming the criminal legal system.

Bridge connects system-impacted people at Cook County Jail and Illinois Youth Center with University of Chicago students to write together, and share personal experiences, and, for our voting rights workshops, allow system-impacted individuals to express their civic duty. The program works to deepen the understanding of racial and socioeconomic inequities reflected in and perpetuated by the criminal legal system.

Responsibilities:

Working with the Director and Coordinator of the IOP’s Civic Engagement program, this role will provide direct student organization support to the Bridge Program student participants. Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as a secondary contact and partner with Cook County Jail Programming staff, New Life Centers, and Illinois Youth Center staff
• Offer regular advising hours for student leaders
• Alongside the Bridge student leadership team, provide specialized advising on programming, partnerships, events, problem-solving, organizational growth and development, etc.
• Serve as a role model to all students. Model tact and good judgment in all interactions.
• Must be available throughout the weeks during the Fall, Winter, & Spring Quarters and open to periodic evening and weekend work.
• Should be readily accessible through email, phone, and other preferred communication channels.
• Other civic engagement special projects as assigned
• End of year capstone project - setting up RSVP form and presentation slides
• Expanding the civic education program
• Organizing list serve set-up - and maintaining with new sign ups
• Supporting a full round of recruitment for IYC bridge, civic ed, programming and comms
• Running regular training session for all Bridge volunteers
• Advising new programming and comms volunteers to determine a new programming and comms calendar - including advising and giving steers on social media calendar and programming events.
• Putting in orders for materials, food, books for all events and workshops

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Open to Graduate Students at any level. Graduate Students enrolled in field programs (SSA, Harris, Divinity, UTEP, etc.) are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and the exercise of good judgment. - Responds appropriately to constructive feedback.
• Commitment to empathy and a non-judgmental manner.
• Demonstrated awareness, knowledge, and/or experience of criminal justice, and mass incarceration issues. Previous or ongoing engagement with organizations or groups creating social change through direct service, advocacy/organizing, community-based research, or other tactics is preferred.
• Candidates with demonstrated experience building trusting relationships with others in professional settings, participating in and leading leadership development initiatives, and supporting peers as they navigate complex systems and productively problem-solve are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency with computer applications: Microsoft Office (Word and Excel required), Internet and Gmail/GoogleDocs, and Zoom

Employment Dates: August 15, 2025- June 1, 2026 Approximate Hours Per Week: 10 hours per week, 10 weeks/quarter Compensation: $20 an hour