JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a part-time internship with APA's Knowledge team working on various applied research and knowledge product initiatives.

General

Persons in this position perform applied research in accordance with APA's research agenda; support planning profession market research efforts; and contribute to the development of Research KnowledgeBase collections, blog posts, articles, interactive mapping tools, and other knowledge products, as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducting desk research on planning-related topics
• Supporting data collection and analysis efforts to better understand the planning profession
• Synthesizing practical takeaways for professional planners
• Writing short blog posts and articles for APA's Nexus newsletter
• Organizing, cataloging, and synthesizing previous research on planning-related topics
• Conducting supplemental online research
• Drafting short encyclopedia entries for specific planning-related topics
• Drafting short annotations for cataloged resources
• Creating and maintaining records in APA's content management system
• Supporting the development and execution of educational programming

Qualifications:

• Excellent professional writing skills
• High aptitude for information synthesis
• Familiarity with local planning documents (e.g., plans and development regulations)
• Creative and persistent online research capabilities
• Willingness to explore a wide range of planning-related topics
• Experience with local policy research preferred
• Enrollment in graduate-level planning program preferred
• Illinois residency required

Time Commitment:

• 19 hours per week for 1 year (mid-May 2026 through mid-May 2027)

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• Short writing sample demonstrating your ability to synthesize information about a nuanced planning-related topic

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls please. Applications accepted through March 31, 2026. Ideal start date is May 19, 2026.

BENEFITS

• National perspective on established and emerging trends in contemporary planning practice
• Access to APA resources, staff, and professional development opportunities
• Paid time off (based on hours worked)