Position: Local News Intern - Summer 2026
Reports To: Director, Local News
Location: Chicago, IL
Duration: June 9 - August 12, 2026
Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
About the Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. We work on a few big bets that strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change, the challenges of criminal justice reform, revitalizing local news in the U.S., and corruption in Nigeria.
In addition, we maintain enduring commitments in our hometown Chicago, where we invest in people, places, and partnerships to build a more inclusive Chicago and in journalism and media, where we invest in more just and inclusive news and narratives.
We also make awards to extraordinarily creative individuals through the MacArthur Fellows program and for solutions to critical problems of our time through 100&Change. For more information, please visit our website at www.macfound.org.
About Local News
The Local News program works to dramatically strengthen and expand local news in the United States through a collaborative Big Bet approach. The program catalyzes local ecosystems with replicable components that create virtuous cycles of sustainability, trust, and civic engagement. Our strategy employs four approaches: Equity (ensuring historically underserved communities benefit from trusted news), Infrastructure (providing essential tools and services), Engagement (strengthening community ties), and Visibility (supporting networks and policy understanding). The program works closely with Press Forward, a national collaborative with 40+ local chapters.
About the Internship
Responsibilities may include:
Conducting research on local journalism trends, AI, sustainability models, and news desert data
Supporting listening sessions and document findings
Assisting with planning and executing grantee convenings and events
Documenting shared services pilots and collaboration outcomes
Qualifications
Interest in journalism, media sustainability, and civic health
Strong research and analytical skills
Understanding or interest in learning about local news challenges, particularly in underserved communities
Spanish language skills beneficial but not required
Experience and interest in journalism and media
Bachelor’s candidates or above
This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process
The application deadline is SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025 AT 11:59 PM CST. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “must be returning back to school” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website (www.macfound.org/jobs).
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.