Intern, Communication & Public Affairs Department 

Illinois State Senate Republican Caucus
Internship Position Description
Communications and Public Affairs

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 

If you are interested in this internship within the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus, please email your current resume and cover letter to Paige Buente at pbuente@sgop.ilga.gov