The American Planning Association (APA) is seeking an intern to contribute to the Research KnowledgeBase, an online clearinghouse of planning-related information. This intern will collaborate with APA Research staff and, potentially, APA component groups to develop new collections and perform strategic maintenance on existing collections.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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
• Assist with grant-funded research and special projects on an as-needed basis

Qualifications:

• Must reside in Illinois for the duration of the internship
• Experience with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint preferred
• 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

Time Commitment:

• 19 hours per week for 1 year (mid-May 2025 through mid-May 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

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, 2025. Ideal start date is May 19, 2025.