Intern, Communication & Public Affairs Department

**Position Title:** Intern, Communication & Public Affairs Department

**Location:** Springfield, IL

Division Summary

The Illinois Senate Republicans Communications and Public Affairs Department serves as the strategic voice and public-facing arm of the Senate Republican Caucus. This team is responsible for shaping and sharing the caucus' message across a wide range of platforms, while also facilitating direct outreach to constituents through coordinated events and engagement efforts.

Position Details

• This is a semester-long, paid internship with the opportunity to be extended based on candidate's performance and availability
• Must be able to work out of the Illinois State Capitol Complex in Springfield, IL
• Willingness to travel for events, including days, night, and weekends
• Open to both full and part-time interns (full-time interns are required to work 35 hours a week and part-time interns must be able to work at least 21 hours a week)
• Regular hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Weekly schedule can be flexible based on intern's availability to work)
• Internship is open to both undergraduate students and recent college graduates

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in outreach activities identified by Senate members and staff
• Attend and assist with legislative events throughout the State of Illinois
• Promote events through targeted contact lists, calls, and other outreach strategies
• Contribute to written content, social media, and other communication materials
• Draft and edit messaging for press releases, newsletters, and talking points
• Produce research relevant to members' districts and current issues
• Attend meetings and prepare detailed summaries of key discussions
• Assist with video and multimedia content creation for social platforms
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes

• Must be in pursuit of a degree from an accredited college or university or a recent college graduate
• Coursework in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or political science preferred, but not required
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and Microsoft Teams, specifically Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Works well with others as a team
• Research skills
• Time management and prioritization skills, with ability to multitask and focus on time-sensitive projects, and meet deadlines
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to ask questions
• Professional demeanor and a drive to succeed

Goals of Position

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the daily functions of the legislative branch in Illinois state government.
• Learn to communicate and coordinate with others to complete complex assignments and successfully organize events.
• Prepare to enter a professional work environment by gaining transferable skills that will facilitate the transition to private or public sector employment.
• Strengthen professional writing, research, and media production abilities