Institute of Politics

About the 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 create 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.

Internship Description: IOP’s Civic Engagement Program hosts a series of experiential and dialogue programming to give students broad exposure to public service programming and develop leadership, dialogue,and other key civic engagement skills.

During spring quarter of 2026, the incoming intern may be trained and onboarded by the current (outgoing) intern. The internship will then begin in a full-time capacity in the fall of 2026 and continue through the end of spring quarter (June 2027). Selected interns will be required to attend mandatory training and onboarding sessions in late September with the rest of the house intern cohort.

Essential Functions: Working with the Director and Coordinator of the IOP’s Civic Engagement program, this role will provide research, program planning, and program execution support for IOP Civic Engagement programming. Key responsibilities include:

• Attend weekly supervision, and team development meetings
• Coordinate logistical and programmatic elements of IOP CE experiential learning and dialogue programming
• Support the development of a comprehensive program evaluation and data collection systems for IOP CE experiential learning and dialogue programming
• Serve as a role model to all students. Model tact and good judgment in all interactions.
• Must be available for daytime meetings 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

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.
• Experience participating in and leading leadership development initiatives
• Candidates with demonstrated experience building trusting relationships with others in professional settings, 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 2026 – June 2027

Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Approximate Hours: 15 hours per week for 10 weeks/quarter

Compensation: $20/hour