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.

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 and graduate students, are paid, and are eligible for work study.

Internship Description: The Speaker Series intern specializing in outreach and data analysis will play a key role in supporting the Speaker Series team in developing speakers series programs, including helping to generate ideas, marketing techniques, data management and events execution. This intern will report to the Production Manager and work closely with the Director of the Speaker Series. No prior IOP experience is required, but previous experience as an Event Ambassador is highly suggested.

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-hours capacity in 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.

Duties include (and are not limited to):

• Pitching and conceptualizing IOP Speaker Series events by researching potential topics and guests
• Upload and review registration lists for each event
• Participate in outreach to promote events across campus, including to various student groups and faculty
• Creating event reminders for Speaker Series events
• Selecting and proofreading student introductory remarks for IOP Speaker Series events
• Post print and digital fliers for upcoming events
• Update and maintain Speaker Series internal databases related to outreach, audience development, moderator ideation, etc
• Analyze registration and attendance data following each Speaker Series event
• Providing logistical support for Speakers Series production team, including set up and clean up of events
• Attending a weekly team meeting
• Serving as front desk receptionist during IOP business hours

Qualifications:

• Strong research abilities and resourcefulness
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively compile, track, analyze quantitative event data and metrics
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work with minimal oversight; self-directed and motivated
• Interest in politics and public service

Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Hours: 10-15 hours/week

Compensation: $16.60/hour