Health Policy & Advocacy Intern

Position Description

Intern, U.S. Health Policy & Advocacy

Employment: Non-Exempt, Seasonal Internship

Reporting to: Director, Policy & Advocacy

Location: Remote/Weekly Onsite Access to Washington, DC

Department: Global Advocacy

Compensation: $18 per hour

Timing and Schedule: Position expected to open on June 1, with start date flexible based on candidate availability. The internship will run for 8–10 weeks, depending on the selected candidate’s schedule and availability.

Overview:

The Health Policy & Advocacy Intern will support the work of the International Myeloma Foundation’s U.S. Policy & Advocacy team whose mission is to advocate for equitable access to timely diagnosis, innovative treatments, and research funding on Capitol Hill, with key regulatory agencies and coalition partners.

This internship provides the opportunity to:

• Gain an understanding of the legislative and regulatory issues impacting the myeloma, blood cancer and oncology communities.
• Engage firsthand in the political and policy-making processes through learning about advocacy strategy, participating in advocacy meetings with Congressional staff members, and attending hearings, briefings, and other relevant Capitol Hill events.
• Gain exposure to diverse aspects of patient advocacy with opportunities to learn about both public policy and direct patient engagement.
• Network with internal and external health policy experts in coalition meetings.
• Develop research, writing, organization, communication, and outreach skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Track federal legislation and appropriation items identified as priorities by the team.
• Provide policy research to inform the development of lobbying and advocacy strategies.
• Attend meetings of coalition partners whose policy content intersects with the IMF.
• Edit/draft articles for the Advocacy Monthly Newsletter, along with additional ad hoc communication projects such as social media posts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An interest in public health/public policy and a strong interest in government affairs work
• Coursework leading to a degree in political science, grassroots advocacy, public health, public policy, or related field.
• Basic understanding of the federal government and political process.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Self-motivated, be highly organized, able to manage multiple projects, and be attentive to detail.
• Dedicate approximately 20 hours per week for the duration of the internship.
• Submission of a resume and writing sample of no more than 5 pages.
• Must be willing to attend in person events in DC

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual may encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• The person in this position regularly communicates with others and must be able to exchange accurate information with internal and external audiences in in a variety of situations.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while working on a personal computer or commuting to meetings and events.
• Perform continuous operation of a computer and other office productivity items, such as a calculator or copier.
• Frequently moves about inside an office or event building.
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 15lbs, bending and reaching throughout the day as needed.

EEO Statement

The International Myeloma Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals.