Policy and Advocacy Intern - Aurora, IL (2025641)

Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor?

If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you.

At this pivotal moment in time, we are rapidly expanding and growing our team to meet the increasing needs of our world. We are looking for people who want to use their gifts and talents to make a real and tangible difference in our world and the lives of the suffering.

If you’re looking for a purpose-driven career in which you can grow your talents, while also standing up for the rights of the vulnerable, we want you to join us today.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish.

Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community strengthening and resilience, and refugee & immigrant services and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Policy and Advocacy Internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in shaping and advocating for policies that impact marginalized communities. Interns will work closely with the Policy and Advocacy team to support World Relief’s engagement with government agencies, Congress, and partner organizations. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates passionate about public policy, international relations, human rights, and justice.

All applications must be submitted by April 3, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES::
• Assist with research and analysis on key policy issues related to immigration, refugee resettlement, international aid, and other humanitarian topics.

• Draft written materials for internal use, advocacy campaigns, and external stakeholders.

• Monitor relevant legislative activity, committee hearings, and key policy developments.

• Monitor and triage email communications for the Sr. Director of Global Mission and Church Movements, ensuring timely responses and appropriate follow-up.

• Support coordination and logistics for small-scale events, including scheduling, preparation, and communication with participants.

• Conduct research and compile information to support development of a forthcoming publication with the Sr. Director of Global Mission and Church Movement.

• Provide administrative support to the VP of Advocacy & Policy as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS::
• Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Passionate about humanitarian work, social justice, and policy advocacy.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Familiarity with U.S. immigration policy, refugee issues, or international development is a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with virtual collaboration tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS::
• Mature and personal Christian faith.

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field.

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with virtual collaboration tools.

While some internships are unpaid, the program is competitive and you are encouraged to approach it in the same way you would a job. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, resume, application, and to pass a Criminal Background Check. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that an internship with World Relief does not guarantee a future job in the organization.