The Civic Consulting Alliance works with public sector leaders dedicated to making lasting, positive change, and private sector leaders who contribute services pro bono to help create that change. This opportunity allows recent graduates of Master’s degree programs to develop leadership skills, create a civic network, and have a positive impact on Chicago.
Postgraduate Fellows work on Chicago's most pressing issues, such as public education, environment, quality of life services, and workforce development. Fellows work alongside the Alliance's professional staff and private-sector partners to consult with senior-level government clients.
Fellows will have the opportunity to:
Complete high-impact projects for the city of Chicago, its Sister Agencies (e.g Chicago Public School, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority) or Cook County
Work with Civic Consulting principals, senior business executives, and government leaders to define problems, architect solutions, and oversee implementation
Gain valuable experience working within the context of one of the most innovative and influential public-private partnerships in the nation.
Eligibility requirements:
At least 2 years of business experience, preferably in consulting or project management
Masters degree in business, public policy, public affairs or related field
Significant analytic, relationship management, research, and communication skills. Specific business skills may be required for some projects
Ability to work with a variety of people in a complex political environment
Track record of success and ability to get things done, preferably in large organizations.
Desire to serve the City of Chicago and its government agencies
Harper joined the Civic Consulting Alliance as a Civic Fellow in January 2012. He graduated Dartmouth College in June 2012 with an undergraduate degree in History and Economics. As a student, Harper was involved in campus social activism, promoting sustainability through his role as the Chair of the Environmental Conservation Organization and socially responsible investing through his membership on the Advisory Committee for Investor Responsibility.
Jolee VanLeuven joined Civic Consulting Alliance in June 2012 as a summer Civic Fellow from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to business school, Jolee graduated cum lade from Princeton University with a degree in history. As a four-year member of the varsity track and cross country teams she earned All-American and All-Academic honors and captained both teams her senior year.
Peter joined Civic Consulting Alliance as a Civic Fellow in 2012 as the first ever Joyce Foundation-Civic Consulting Fellow. As an MBA student at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, Peter will help the Joyce Foundation and CCA to:
Karen joined the Civic Consulting Alliance as a Civic Fellow in the fall of 2012. She is currently working with the State of Illinois on the Illinois Shared Learning Environment (ISLE), an education technology initiative that leverages cloud technology and open-market applications to bring personalized learning to Pre-K-12, postsecondary, and workforce learners statewide.
Sarah serves as a corporate relations manager for the CEO at Allstate. She conducts analysis to help develop communications strategies for the CEO and builds strategic plans to drive CEO resources. Additionally, as an independent consultant, Sarah advises first-time entrepreneurs on market strategies and how to create business plans.
Dan E. Phelps is an Executive Vice President and former General Auditor of Northern Trust Corporation. Chicago-based Northern Trust is a 120+ year old global financial services firm providing industry leading asset management, asset servicing, fund administration, fiduciary and banking services to successful individuals, families and institutions worldwide. Northern Trust’s continuing business growth, changing risks and regulatory requirements are addressed through a comprehensive global audit program encompassing U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific operations.
Jacob Rosch joined Civic Consulting as a Summer Civic Fellow in 2012 while completing his Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School. Prior to beginning his graduate studies, Jacob worked as an analyst for Public Impact, where he advised nonprofit and government clients on a wide range of issues in K12 education policy. He also led a number of musical ensembles and performed in and around the Triangle area of North Carolina. Jacob earned a B.A. with honors in Sociology and Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Meosha Thomas started at Civic Consulting Alliance in January 2012 as an Associate Civic Fellow. She served 10 years active duty in the United States Navy. She has lived overseas and throughout the United States. Due to an injury, she was honorably retired from military service. She returned home to Chicago in 2010 where she began teaching through the Troops to Teachers Program.
