Location: Chicago, IL - Hybrid 

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is spearheading a transformative, multi-million-dollar initiative to strengthen the state's public health infrastructure through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG). This critical federal investment is centered around three foundational pillars: Workforce Development, Foundational Capabilities Enhancement, and Data Modernization. These efforts aim to reshape public health delivery across Illinois, ensuring healthier communities for generations to come.

As a Public Health Project Management Intern within the Director’s Office, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to statewide initiatives while gaining executive-level exposure and hands-on experience in large-scale program management.

Designed specifically for graduate students in MPH programs, this internship bridges academic learning with practical application. You will gain invaluable experience in areas such as:

• Systems thinking
• Evidence-based decision making
• Policy implementation
• Cross-sector collaboration

Your work will directly support public health infrastructure improvements and align with core MPH curriculum areas, including health policy and management, epidemiology, and community health practice.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Project Planning and Coordination

• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and milestone tracking for PHIG initiatives
• Maintain clear and organized project documentation to support transparency and accountability
• Conduct research and synthesize evidence to inform decision-making
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of projects

Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor key performance indicators across PHIG’s core pillars
• Prepare executive-level reports and presentations for senior leadership
• Support data collection and analysis to drive program improvements
• Contribute to federal reporting and compliance efforts

Financial Management and Oversight

• Assist in budget tracking and financial reporting for grant activities
• Support fiscal monitoring to ensure efficient use of resources
• Participate in planning and forecasting related to PHIG funding
• Learn best practices in managing federally funded public health programs

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Facilitate meetings with internal teams and external partners
• Prepare meeting materials, take minutes, and track follow-ups
• Develop communication materials tailored to varied audiences
• Coordinate outreach efforts for statewide infrastructure initiatives

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a graduate-level public health degree at University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, or Northwestern University
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to create clear and compelling documents.
• Passionate about public health systems and infrastructure.
• Interested in project management, policy, and organizational development.
• Eager to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
• Comfortable in dynamic, collaborative work environments.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Committed to advancing health equity and improving community well-being through systems change.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work approximately 10-15 hours a week and come in person on Wednesdays.