Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

Current is an independent nonprofit water innovation hub founded in Chicago in 2016. Our mission is to grow an inclusive, circular blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. To date, Current has helped raise over $58M for regional water innovation and economic development, engaged with 40+ water startups, launched 11 technology pilots, and educated more than 40,000 people through events and convenings.

Internship Summary:

Current is excited to be offering a new internship opportunity that focuses on policy research and analysis. As a Policy Analyst, you will work alongside our strategy and operations team to support research related to sector-specific projects and policies. You will work to support a market analysis, water policy research, and other related activities that will advance the mission of the organization. In this role, you will be invited to participate in various events including on-site meetings and presentations with stakeholders. The internship program will culminate in a final project with a presentation to the entire Current team, including the CEO and other organization leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research to inform research projects related to water use, technology development and market needs for water use
• Support development of articles and reports for external communications related to the work of Current and its partners
• Analyze research reports, including deliverables from consultants and partners to support other organizational activities such as strategic planning and project scoping
• Collaborate across a variety of organizational verticals to clarify priorities, needs, and opportunities to engage other members of the team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree with a focus in public policy, business administration, or other related fields.
• Proficient in data analysis and possess strong writing skills.
• Background in conducting research and experience in writing briefs for senior personnel.
• Proficiency in Excel and keen attention to detail.
• Effective team player with a positive attitude.

About the Supervisor:

Your supervisor will be Alexis Levato, Senior Grant Compliance Manager. Alexis graduated from University of Chicago with a Masters in Public Policy in 2022 before starting work at the City of Chicago Office of Budget and Management. There, she worked on the Chicago Recovery Plan, funded by the American Recovery Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. She started working at Current in June 2024 to support work on the Regional Innovation Engines award for the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine that Current is leading. You will work with both Alexis and the Strategy Director to select projects that align with your skills and interests, and the needs of the organization.

Location, Modality, and Commute:

Our office is located at 200 W Madison St., Chicago, Illinois, 60606. Our team is in the office Tuesday through Thursday, and working remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Ideally our intern would work in the office Tuesday through Thursday with the rest of the team, unless they are participating in on-site activities with our partners.

Start and End Date:

Summer internships will take place between June 2 and September 26, 2025, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.