Policy Associate

About the Organization

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit law and policy center dedicated to defending individual liberty, promoting limited government, and ensuring accountability under the rule of law. Through strategic litigation, policy research, and public engagement, WILL challenges government overreach, holds public officials accountable, and advances bold, practical reforms at the state and national level.

WILL has earned a growing national reputation for high-impact work, with frequent mentions in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, and The Washington Post.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) is seeking a Policy Associate to support applied policy research, legislative engagement, and marketing efforts across priority issue areas including education reform, regulatory reform, economic freedom, and energy policy.

This is an entry-level position designed for a highly motivated candidate interested in gaining hands-on experience in state policy, research, and advocacy. The Policy Associate will work closely with WILL’s policy, legal, and communications teams on projects that directly inform legislation, litigation, and public debate in Wisconsin.

The Policy Associate reports directly to the Policy Director. The role is based in Milwaukee, WI, with a preference for those who can work in-office. Remote candidates located within Wisconsin will also be considered.

Policy Research & Writing

• Conduct background research and assist in drafting policy briefs, reports, op-eds, issue papers, and other written policy materials
• Support preparation for legislative testimony, media commentary, and strategic policy initiatives
• Conduct investigative policy research, including through public records and open records requests, data analysis, and other fact-finding methods
• Build and maintain relationships with policy experts and partner organizations
• With experience, represent WILL at events, briefings, and media settings
• Monitor activity at the Wisconsin State Capitol and track priority legislation and administrative actions
• Support outreach to legislators, legislative staff, and coalition partners
• Attend policy, legislative, and coalition meetings on behalf of WILL

Communications & Digital Support

• Assist with weekly emails, blog posts, and other digital content
• Help develop content supporting WILL’s policy priorities, including blogs, short videos, and issue-focused digital materials
• Help create basic graphics, charts, and visual materials to support policy work
• Proofread, fact-check, and edit written content
• Support social media and digital outreach efforts in coordination with the communications team

Organizational & Administrative Support

• Assist with planning and executing policy events, coalition meetings, and advocacy campaigns
• Help maintain project timelines, document archives, and stakeholder communications
• Take part in a collaborative team environment committed to professional growth and mission impact

• 0–4+ years of relevant experience (including internships, fellowships, or academic research)
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
• Ability to distill complex policy issues into clear, accessible language
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong interest in state public policy and alignment with free-market and limited-government principles
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, One Drive, and Share Point
• Familiarity with Word Press, Mailchimp, Canva, and social media platforms is a plus
• Ability to travel approximately 10%
• Experience with or interest in legislative processes and state-level policy is preferred.
• Prior internship or work experience in policy, government, or a related field is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, political science, communications or a related field preferred but not required.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health, dental, life, HSA, and 401(k) plan
• Hybrid work environment with regular in-office collaboration at our Milwaukee headquarters
• P…