Intern, Democratic Party of Illinois

The Democratic Party of Illinois is seeking dynamic individuals to fill multiple internship positions. The intern will assist party departmental staff with day-to-day tasks and connect with Democrats from across Illinois through our Coordinated campaign.  The tracks for this internship include organizing/data, finance, communications, and digital.

About the Democratic Party of Illinois

Our work is year-round, and our programs focus relentlessly on supporting those who champion our causes and our communities. We seek outstanding applicants to help us achieve our mission of developing a robust state party organization that meets the diverse needs of our party stakeholders, from local leaders to our constitutional officers.

What Will You Do?

As an intern, you will assist party staff with day-to-day party functions in the track you are assigned.  Each track provides the intern with exposure to the day to day activities of that department, and opportunities to work on short and long term projects within the team.  In addition to these responsibilities, DPI will offer professional development opportunities by DPI’s partners, elected officials and DPI staff. 

Tracks and Responsibilities May Include:

Organizing & Data

• Support Party-building activities and work closely with Regional Political Directors in the state to support implementation of their regional plans. 

• Support the political team with candidate recruitment efforts in advance of the 2026 election cycle.

• Engage with local stakeholders and constituency groups, local grassroots organizations, and partner/ally groups in support our Party training programs 

• Learn and use digital tools to engage new volunteers, expand the electorate, and highlight our work on the ground

• Provide other organizational or team support as requested or necessary

Finance

• Assist in call time preparation, staffing, and follow up with the Chair and senior staff 

• Prospect potential Illinois and national donors 

• Maintain NGP database 

• Assistant finance team in preparing for and staffing fundraisers, including DPI’s fundraising gala this fall 

• Assist in donor acknowledgment program 

• Draft invitations, memos, and other fundraising materials 

• Provide other organizational or team support as requested or necessary

Communications

• Prepare press clips from national and local news outlets for the organization

• Work with communications department to create and maintain press lists

• Assist with drafting of press materials like releases, advisories, newsletters, talking points, letters to the editor, and communications research

• Provide general staff support to the communications department

• Monitor news outlets and social media for stories to uplift in Party communications

• Assist with drafting and creating content for DPI social media pages

• Provide other organizational or team support as requested or necessary

Digital

• Assist with drafting email and SMS fundraising campaigns

• Support the execution of digital fundraising programs, including email and text sends

• Track and report basic performance across digital campaigns

• Assist with creating content for DPI social media and digital platforms, including captions, graphics (using Canva), and short-form content for public-facing and internal party needs

• Provide general staff support to the digital and communications team

• Provide other organizational or team support as requested or necessary

Who Are You?:

A passionate promoter of Democratic values with a growth mindset who is looking for part-time experience in politics. Preference is given, but not limited, to college students with at least one year of undergraduate studies or recent graduates in any field of study. 

Application Requirements:

• Full Application 

• Resume

• 1 Professional Reference 

• Dependable methods of transportation, including means to public transportation or other methods to commute within the Chicagoland region or Springfield metro area.  

• A valid driver’s license.

• Access to a laptop and cell phone.

Paid Internship: 

Interns will be paid $16/hour. A commitment of at least 20 hours of work is required with a maximum of 24 hours per week, with specific days and schedule based on the interns’ availability. Interns are expected to be at our office whenever possible on days when staff is at the office Tuesday through Thursday.  DPI offers a $50/month stipend to all interns for work from home expenses.

How To Apply

Interested candidates fill out the DPI internship application form.  Applications for Fall internships must be received by August 3rd, 2026. Internships begin September 8th and go until December 18th, schedule dependent.