Employment

See open staff positions | See open internship positions

Staff Positions

Policy Analyst, Fiscal Policy Center at Voices for Illinois Children

Background
Voices for Illinois Children is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide advocacy organization that supports policies which foster children’s learning and development. We work across multiple issue areas — including education and out-of-school time opportunities, health and human services, and family economic security — to improve the lives of children of all ages.

The Fiscal Policy Center at Voices for Illinois Children provides timely, credible, and accessible information and analysis on fiscal issues that affect children, families, and communities. Our work focuses on state budget and tax policy, as well as fiscal aspects of Voices’ policy priorities, including education, health care, human services, and family economic security. The Fiscal Policy Center is a member of the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative, a network of more than 40 state-level nonprofit organizations coordinated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.

For more information about our work, please browse our website.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analysis on fiscal policy issues, as well as substantive program areas such as education, health care, human services, and family economic security.
Analyze state budget and revenue data, as well as demographic, social, and economic data.
Write policy reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, and other related materials.
Engage diverse audiences using a range of outreach and communications strategies.

Qualifications

Interest in and knowledge of budget and tax policy, as well as policy issues affecting children.
Strong analytical skills, including conceptualizing issues, using relevant information and data, and evaluating policy options.
Excellent writing and other communication skills, including ability to discuss public policy issues in clear, concise, and cogent language.
Graduate degree in public policy or related field.

Compensation at Voices for Illinois Children
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Voices for Illinois Children is an equal opportunity employer and offers a generous benefits package. The position will remain open until filled.

Application process
Please send cover letter, résumé, two to three writing samples, and salary history and expectations to:

Larry Joseph
Director, Fiscal Policy Center
Voices for Illinois Children
208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1490
Chicago, IL 60604
Fax: (312) 456-0088
E-mail: ljoseph@voices4kids.org
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Internship Positions

Voices for Illinois Children is a statewide, privately funded policy and advocacy organization that builds support for practical public policies that improve the lives of children.

The Voices Internship Program provides interns in communications, development, policy, and public awareness (see listings below) with valuable experience and networking opportunities with a leading advocacy organization in the state of Illinois. Voices for Illinois Children provides a flexible work schedule and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere for students to polish their skills and advance their career goals. Currently, our internships are unpaid.

All potential candidates should email, mail, or fax a resume and cover letter to:

Madelyn James, Project Director
Voices for Illinois Children
208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1490
Chicago, IL 60604
mjames@voices4kids.org
Fax: (312) 456-0088
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Communications Internship OPEN

We currently seek an energetic, thoughtful, and committed student for a communications internship position. The intern’s primary role will be to: assist in strategic communications planning; plan and coordinate special events; conduct media research and outreach; write articles and media pitch letters; design flyers, invitations, ads and brochures; and assist with the organization’s website and other e-advocacy tools.

Qualifications:

Recent undergraduate student or graduate student in public relations, public affairs, journalism, marketing and promotions
Strong written and oral skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent computer skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Development Internship OPEN

We currently seek a motivated and entrepreneurial student for a development internship position. The internship will focus on supporting the development staff with fundraising activities including the annual Illinois Kids Count dinner. The intern will conduct research on funders, assist in managing data systems, conduct outreach to potential sponsors, and manage volunteers for various fundraising activities.

Qualifications:

Upper-level undergraduate student and or graduate school student
Familiarity with or strong interest in fundraising
Strong written and oral skills including a background in research
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent computers skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Policy Internship OPEN

We offer rotating opportunities for students interested in public policy. This position focuses on policy and data research and analysis, staff support of coalition committees, and assisting in the writing of policy briefs and newsletter articles. The intern will be exposed to a variety of children’s policy issues including health, early childhood education, and family economic security.

Qualifications:

Graduate school student preferably in public policy, public health, political science, social work, or related field
Familiarity with or strong interest in children’s policy
Strong written and oral skills including a background in research
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent computers skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Illinois Kids Count Internship OPEN

We seek an energetic, thoughtful, and committed graduate student to help research and prepare a comprehensive child data and policy report. This report will form the basis for the organization’s annual Illinois Kids Count report, which is shared with a large audience of policymakers and community leaders and is widely reported by the media.

The Illinois Kids Count project analyzes trends in child and family well-being data and proposes public policy solutions to improve the lives of children and is partially supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Voices’ Illinois Kids Count report is an anticipated and highly regarded research product with up-to-date data on the quality of life facing children and a thoughtful analysis of policy and program implications. It is an essential part of Voices’ efforts to increase understanding of the conditions facing children and their families and support our broad public policy agenda.

The student will write his or her findings for publication in the printed Illinois Kids Count report as well as in the Illinois Kids Count online database. The printed report is widely distributed to an audience of state and federal legislators, the Governor and state agency directors, civic and community leaders, and the media.

Qualifications:

Graduate school student preferably in public policy, public health, political science, or related field
Excellent written and oral skills including a background in research and data collection
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong computer skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Takes initiative and responsibility