KIP Fall 2024 - Communications Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid, 10-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the country tackling some of our nation’s most pressing challenges. Throughout your internship with a partner organization, Stand Together Fellowships hosts virtual professional development sessions every Thursday from 1-5 pm ET, wherein you will be mentored by seasoned professionals as you craft a capstone project on the topic that matters most to you.  Interns will receive either a $5,500 or $3,300 stipend from Stand Together Fellowships depending on whether they are participating full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (28 hours/week).

Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to apply in advance!

The mission of the Illinois Policy Institute is to make Illinois a place where every person can put down roots, thrive and achieve the American Dream. As the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state, we stand for ordinary Illinoisans who deserve a say in their government, but who have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life with our best-in-class research, storytelling and messaging. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home. The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization.

The Illinois Policy Institute works for a state where:

·       People of all talents, interests and cultural backgrounds can find dignity in work and succeed with hard work and ingenuity.

·       Effective, efficient, honest and transparent government is accountable to taxpayers and residents in need – not special interests.

·       Businesses grow, flourish and create more jobs and opportunities.

·       Laws empower people – and limit the power of government.

·       Good education is available and attainable for all students and families.

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a Communications Intern to help promote original research and perspectives from the state's strongest taxpayer advocate, and support our mission to foster and maintain a positive brand image with media stakeholders.

• Writing press releases on new policy research
• Pitching and corresponding with members of the media
• Updating or creating organizational talking points
• Preparing experts for interviews
• Researching potential opportunities with outlets and podcasts
• Writing media recap reports
• Assisting with media metrics and reports
• Collaborating with the team in problem-solving and strategic discussions

• Be interested in news media or enjoy following along with the media cycle
• Have familiarity with the concept and benefits of free market policies
• Have interest and/or familiarity with Illinois and Chicago
• Have excellent writing and editing skills
• Hold or working to obtain a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, media studies or similar

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.