About the Position

Active Transportation Alliance is seeking a Policy & Advocacy Fellow for Summer 2026 to help power our mission to promote walking, biking, and public transit to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities. We are seeking candidates currently enrolled in graduate programs from transportation planning, public policy, and related fields. The Fellow will work alongside Active Transportation Alliance staff on a wide range of activities to support our strategic advocacy and policy change campaigns. Current priorities include supporting implementation of transit funding and reform legislation, advocating for bus priority streets in Chicago, and working to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways.

Fellows will gain first-hand experience developing and executing strategic policy change campaigns alongside a team of experienced professional advocates. They will directly engage with a variety of stakeholders and groups including elected officials, public agencies, community-based organizations, and grassroots supporters. Fellows will also have opportunities to lead and support projects in policy research and development, coalition management, elected official engagement, grassroots organizing, and strategic communications.
Learn more about our work at www.activetrans.org.

Position Details

• Type: This is a non-exempt, part-time position of 20-30 hours per week.
• Location: Based at Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago Loop.
• Environment: Hybrid work environment combination of in-office and remote work.
• Start Date: This position begins in May with a start date based on availability.
• Term: Minimum 12-week commitment with a maximum of up to one year.
• Salary: The salary range for this position is $20 per hour

About the Organization

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization. Our vision is a Chicago region abundant with walking, bicycling, and public transit options to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities. In partnership with thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers and a wide spectrum of community partners, our dedicated team has been working for several decades to create more opportunities for people to travel safely, actively, and enjoyably. 

Active Transportation Alliance is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We work to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do.

ATA is a small organization doing big work and that means team members take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations from time to time; we go all in to support each other and our success.

About You

You are currently enrolled in a graduate level program in planning, public policy, or a related field. You are interested in growing into a career in transportation planning, policy, and/or advocacy. You are eager to put your research, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills to work in support of values-driven advocacy campaigns that advance walking, biking, and public transit. You believe in the transformational power of active transportation, knowing that places abundant with walking, biking and public transportation options are more equitable, more healthy, more sustainable and more livable, and that all people in Chicagoland deserve this reality. You value working at an organization committed to pursuing anti-racism, where working in vibrant, supportive teams is the norm - and leadership is a shared practice.

About the Role - Key Accountabilities

• Conduct research and analysis to support public policy campaigns on local, regional, and state levels
• Create content for a variety of outlets and audiences to communicate and engage the public in the organization’s policy campaigns
• Support grassroots organizing and advocacy capacity building work such as trainings and informational sessions
• Directly engage elected officials and public agencies to advance policy campaign goals
• Other duties as assigned

The Must-Haves

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in planning, public policy, or related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to speak and relate with a wide variety of audiences and perspectives
• Ability to research and synthesize complex data and information from a variety of sources
• Experience working with diverse groups of stakeholders in advocacy, organizing, volunteering or similar activities
• A passion for the transformational nature of walking, bicycling and transit on social and racial equity, community livability, and sustainability; or willingness to learn and embrace the same.

To Apply

• Apply by clicking the button below.
• No emails or phone calls, please.
• The position will remain open and available until filled.