IWIL Training Academy accepts internship applications on a rolling basis and is always seeking enthusiastic and qualified individuals who are strongly interested in empowering pro-choice Democratic women to lead. 

At this time, IWIL Training Academy is seeking an intern for Summer 2026.

About Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Training Academy

Over 20 years ago, Loretta Durbin and other leading Democratic women throughout Illinois founded IWIL to train Democratic women for public office. Today the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership (IWIL) Training Academy continues that mission by selecting 12 women to train for elected and appointed office throughout the course of a yearlong intensive training program.

Our training brings together IWIL Training Academy’s class at locations across Illinois and in Washington DC for six multi-day sessions. Sessions focus on building the skills needed to run a winning campaign, ranging from communications strategy to advanced fundraising techniques and more. We provide extensive opportunities for networking and learning directly from industry experts, leaders, and elected officials at all levels of government. Our driving mission is to prepare Democratic women for success in elected office and leadership positions across Illinois.

About New Chicago Consulting

New Chicago Consulting LLC is a full-service consulting firm specializing in communications, political  consulting, and fundraising. Many of our clients come to us to ensure a winning, comprehensive strategy for  their campaign. Clients include city, state and federal candidates as well as issue advocacy groups, and both  large and small businesses.

We have worked with IWIL Training Academy providing Executive Director services since 2016. We have dedicated staff members who work exclusively with IWIL Training Academy to  run its programming throughout the year, as well as its day to day operations. 

About the Internship

As an IWIL Training Academy intern, you will focus on many different tasks in assisting the IWIL Training  Academy staff. Your priorities will include assisting with fundraising, programming, communications, event  planning, and database upkeep. There will be opportunities to attend events and  programs (both virtual and in-person) with IWIL Training Academy staff. Internship positions may be hybrid, with the opportunity to work at our office in Chicago's River North neighborhood and virtually. Internships are part-time and unpaid but students may be able to earn college or high school credit depending on the requirements of their respective institutions.  

Qualifications 

Interns must share our passion and enthusiasm for training pro-choice Democratic women for office. It is essential that all interns conduct themselves in a professional, mature manner. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following:

• A passion for politics or public affairs
• Strong organizational skills
• Independent initiative on projects
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• General knowledge of basic computer programs (Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel & Word)
• Ability to take direction while working independently
• Respect for deadlines and punctuality
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail