TechNet State Policy Fellowship – Illinois & the Midwest
Organization Description
TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of American innovation.
TechNet’s diverse membership includes more than 100 dynamic American businesses ranging from startups to the most iconic companies on the planet and represents over five million employees and countless customers in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, the sharing and gig economies, advanced energy, transportation, cybersecurity, venture capital, and finance. TechNet has offices in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Harrisburg, Olympia, Sacramento, Silicon Valley, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C.
The Fellowship
TechNet is seeking a State Policy Fellow to support its state policy and government affairs work in Illinois and the Midwest during the 2027 state legislative session.
The fellowship is a full-time, six-month temporary employee position designed to provide substantive exposure to state technology policy while adding capacity to TechNet’s regional advocacy team during the busiest part of the legislative cycle.
The fellow will work under the supervision of TechNet’s Executive Director for Illinois & the Midwest and will support legislative analysis, policy research, drafting, bill tracking, member communications, meeting preparation, and related policy work across the region. The role is intended to be substantially more involved than a traditional internship and will give the fellow direct exposure to the day-to-day work of a multistate government affairs program.
This is a non-lobbying position. The fellow will support TechNet’s advocacy work but will not independently lobby, testify, or engage in activity requiring lobbyist registration.
This region includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Key Responsibilities
Legislative Analysis and Tracking:
Review and monitor legislation across the region; track bill movement, amendments, hearings, and legislative deadlines; prepare bill summaries; and help identify provisions that may affect TechNet member companies.
Policy Research and Writing:
Conduct research on state technology policy issues and legislative proposals; prepare issue memos and background materials; draft advocacy letters and other policy materials for review; and assist with end-of-session summaries and other written work product.
Member and Team Support:
Assist with member-facing policy updates and communications; prepare materials for member meetings and internal discussions; support meeting preparation and follow-up; and help organize information needed for regional policy and advocacy efforts.
Legislative Session and Event Support:
Monitor committee hearings and legislative proceedings; assist with preparation for meetings with policymakers and stakeholders; support TechNet lobby days and other regional events; and attend regional lobby days and other in-person activities as appropriate.
Other Responsibilities:
Assist the Executive Director with other substantive policy and legislative work as needed during the fellowship.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional writing and editing skills and strong attention to detail;
- Strong analytical and research skills;
- The ability to quickly understand complex policy issues and legislative language;
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines;
- Sound judgment and the ability to identify when additional guidance is needed;
- Strong verbal communication skills and professionalism in working with TechNet staff, member companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders;
- The ability to work independently in a remote environment while communicating regularly with a supervisor;
- An interest in state public policy, government affairs, technology policy, and the legislative process; and
- The ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving environment where priorities may shift quickly.
Prior experience in a legislature, government office, campaign, public policy organization, trade association, law firm, or related environment is helpful but not required.
The fellowship may be particularly well suited for recent college graduates, early-career policy professionals, individuals coming off political campaigns, or law and graduate students taking time away from school or otherwise able to work full time during the fellowship term.
Location and Work Arrangement
This is a remote position, but the fellow must reside within Illinois during the fellowship term. Preference will be given to candidates located in or near the City of Chicago where the Executive Director is based.
The fellow should expect occasional work-related travel within the region, including participation in TechNet lobby days and other in-person meetings or events.
The fellow will be required to provide their own laptop for use during the fellowship. TechNet will provide a TechNet email account and access to necessary work systems consistent with organizational policies.
Compensation and Employment Terms
The fellowship is a full-time, six-month temporary employee position.
The fellow will receive $50,000 in salary over the six-month fellowship term, subject to applicable payroll withholdings.
Because this is a temporary position, the fellow will not be eligible to participate in TechNet-sponsored employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The fellow will receive any leave or other benefits required by applicable law.
The anticipated fellowship term is January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A resume; and
- One writing sample that demonstrates strong analytical and written communication skills.
Selected candidates may also be asked to complete a short writing and legislative-analysis exercise as part of the interview process.
Please submit materials to Ninia Linero at nlinero@technet.org.