The Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative (IBAI) is a statewide organization that utilizes organizing, policy, and legal advocacy to ensure that Black communities are centered in public policy, philanthropy, and government decision-making. Rather than traditional grassroots organizing, IBAI “organizes the organizers,” convening Black-led advocacy groups across Illinois through a collaborative table known as the Black Wall.

IBAI’s mission is to advance an equitable and self-determined future for Black Illinoisans by building collective power, transforming systems of harm, and amplifying Black voices. Our work is rooted in the belief that lasting change requires centering the leadership, lived experiences, and wisdom of Black communities.

IBAI’s core program areas include:

• Family Regulation System Reform – Addressing racial disparities in family surveillance and separation through research, policy development, and advocacy.
• State Budget & Governance Transformation – Advancing fiscal and budget equity by supporting community-led policy development and public finance reform.
• Policy & Systems Change – Conducting legislative analysis, equity audits, and policy design that reflect the needs of Black communities.
• Political Education & Narrative Strategy – Building public understanding of Black-centered policy solutions through storytelling, research translation, and community engagement.
• Capacity Building for Black Advocacy Ecosystem – Strengthening Black-led advocacy organizations through training, mentorship, and coalition support.

Position Description

The PILI Graduate Fellow will join IBAI’s Policy & Advocacy team to support statewide legal, legislative, and policy initiatives advancing racial and economic justice for Black Illinoisans. Fellows will engage in both high-level strategic projects and practical advocacy work alongside attorneys, policy strategists, and community partners. Position is 100% remote with pre-planned in-person meetings

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal and policy research on topics related to family regulation reform, budget equity, and racial justice.
• Draft internal memoranda, legislative summaries, and policy briefs.
• Analyze state legislation and administrative rules through a racial equity lens.
• Provide legal and strategic support to advocacy coalitions and community partners.
• Develop one-pagers, talking points, and community education materials.
• Assist in drafting blog posts, reports, and public-facing policy explainers.
• Attend internal strategy meetings, partner convenings, and public events.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Graduate Fellowship portal with a cover letter, resume, and 2 references.
For questions about the position, contact Marsheda Ewulomi, Esq. at marsheda@ilblackadvocacy.org.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This agency is approved to host Graduate Fellows.