Under the direction of the director of communications and outreach, the communications and outreach intern will assist the OIG Communications team with its core work, which includes media relations, public relations, publications, social and digital media, community engagement and more.
OIG is accepting intern applications for spring/summer 2026. Start and end dates are flexible.
DUTIES:
- Creates branded graphics for evergreen social media posts (various platforms)
- Answers questions and relays information to constituents at outreach tabling events
- Collaborates with all members of the OIG Communications team to compile flyers, postcards, and OIG swag to bring to government fairs, and other community events
- Assists in researching other opportunities for public engagement with various communities in Chicago, podcasts and traditional and digital media, industry marketing idea examples, and documents the appropriate contact information for OIG staff to contact
- Performs related duties as required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Applicable coursework in communications, marketing, public relations, civic engagement, liberal arts, graphic design, or related subject area. Must be able to abide by OIG’s Confidentiality policies.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Interest in the work of the Office of Inspector General, including government oversight and civic engagement
- Completion of some related coursework, in communications, civic studies, or liberal arts
- Strong creative and writing skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, monitor, and execute competing assignments, and control deadlines
- Comfortable interacting with and engaging the public in conversation to garner feedback
- Demonstrated leadership ability and initiative on assigned tasks
- Capability to collaborate with colleagues from a wide array of technical and professional disciplines and backgrounds in and across all the office’s sections
- Familiarity with Canva, Hootsuite, and Microsoft Word
- Consciousness of diversity, inclusion, and equity challenges across communities, including for underserved and underrepresented communities in the City of Chicago, and commitment to address those challenges and positively contribute to OIG’s internal culture of inclusion, respect, and community
ANNUAL SALARY: Unpaid. Internships may be completed for school course credit.
SCHEDULE: The working hours for this position are flexible. This role requires in-person work.
WE VALUE DIVERSITY
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an equal opportunity employer.
OIG is an inclusive organization that hires and develops all its staff of all levels regardless of race, religion, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.
OIG strives to create the kind of workplace where a socially diverse mix of people can thrive professionally. We pride ourselves in meeting our legal charge to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in government. Through the hard work of our passionate and innovative team, OIG aims to serve every community with equity, respect, and dignity.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy to participate in the application process, please contact OIG’s Manager of Human Resources Eloise Markham at emarkham@igchicago.org. Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.
THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND MILITARY FRIENDLY EMPLOYER
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The City of Chicago does not participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). In addition, employment at the Office of Inspector General is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.
NOTIFICATION REGARDING USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The submission of written materials (e.g., writing sample, essay, cover letter, etc.) generated in-part or fully by AI is strongly discouraged. Candidates who submit AI generated written materials may be disqualified from further consideration.