Intern

Job Description

About Company

Young Invincibles (“YI”) is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity and amplifying the voices of young people aged 18 to 34 in national political conversations and policy.

Founded in the summer of 2009 by young adults during the health care reform debate, YI has rapidly become a leading voice for youth on critical issues including healthcare, higher education, pathways to jobs/workforce, and civic engagement. The organization boasts significant achievements, such as influencing regulations for college health plans, advocating for Pell grants, and engaging hundreds of thousands of young adults online through a network of over 100 partner organizations. YI also operates regional offices in California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas, which have successfully secured increased grant aid for low-income college students, expanded funding for community colleges, and ensured undocumented students can access in-state tuition.

Job Description: Internship Role

This internship offers an exciting opportunity to join Young Invincibles’ Midwest office during the launch of its “State of Young Illinois” campaign and in preparation for the 2026 legislative session. The intern will primarily provide logistical support and thought-partnership for the implementation of the office’s programs and activities.

A cornerstone of the internship is a Capstone Project, a long-term assignment given by the Director. This project involves coordinating one of the office’s mid- to large-scale activities, typically involving 50-100 people, and requires close collaboration with the entire Midwest Office staff. Examples of Fall Capstone projects include helping to produce the annual Young Adult Policy Summit, developing a new YI overnight camp experience, and assisting in the creation of the 2026 policy agenda. The intern will have weekly meetings with the Director to discuss deliverables and project updates.

The intern will gain firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of a non-profit policy advocacy organization, working directly and collaboratively with staff. The intern will report to the Midwest Regional Director.

Intern Roles and Responsibilities:

• Complete a long-term, Capstone project assigned by the Director.
• Conduct outreach to individuals and organizations to maximize engagement and program recruitment efforts.
• Attend and volunteer at YI’s programs and events, both in-person and virtually.
• Assist the Engagement Manager with the implementation of the Young Advocates Program.
• Assist the Advocacy Manager with advocacy campaigns and actions.
• Attend regular meetings with the MW Office team (scheduled Wednesdays at 10 am).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualities for a Successful Intern:

A strong candidate will demonstrate:

• A creative, energetic, and joyous attitude.
• The ability to maintain a dependable and consistent schedule.
• A results-oriented and focused communication style.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with the team and external partners/stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and an entrepreneurial atmosphere.
• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cultural competency for working and collaborating effectively with diverse populations.
• A strong passion for Young Invincibles’ mission.
• Preference is given to students with previous coursework in politics, government, policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.

Work Location:

The YI Midwest team operates on a hybrid model. Interns are required to be present for one in-office day per week, specifically on Wednesday mornings (10 am – 12 pm). All remote communications utilize the Google Suite.

Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship. Young Invincibles will work with colleges and universities to meet requirements for interns seeking academic credit.

Young Invincibles is an equal employment opportunity employer and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply, upholding a non-discrimination policy based on various protected characteristics.

For more information, interested candidates can contact Erick at erick.dorris@younginvincibles.org.