State Policy Advocacy Intern

• Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Health or a related field required.

The State Policy & Advocacy Intern will support the Advocacy program at the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and its goal of improving the lives of melanoma patients and their caregivers through effective mobilization of advocates and engagement with decision-makers on the state level. This part-time, unpaid internship follows a hybrid schedule, with an in-person requirement in Washington, DC.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Program Development

• Assist Advocacy team in drafting policy briefs, fact sheets and other advocate-education resources or materials.
• Assist Advocacy team with development of rural health webinar series.
• Assist with coordinating state proclamations.
• Work with the Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator to coordinate Advocacy table at Miles for Melanoma events.
• Work with the Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator to recruit new advocates.
• Work with the Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator to update mobilization platform.
• Ensure advocacy inventory remains up-to-date and mailed out to relevant programmatic events.

Program Support:

• Conduct issue-based research.
• Track state hearings, legislation and regulatory developments.
• Produce news reports on media and community discourse pertaining to the Advocacy program’s priorities.
• Assist with Advocacy Days program preparation.
• Assist in meeting and presentation prep for the Advocacy team.
• Provide general administrative support to the Advocacy Team as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Reflects the minimum specific competencies required for job performance.

• 1-2 years of policy experience, preferably in cancer, public health or healthcare related industries; Hill internship experience preferred.
• Team player with a positive attitude who can effectively work with multiple constituents and stakeholders.
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills.
• Creative and collaborative mindset with the ability to execute and drive effective results.
• Project confidence, strategic thinking and persuasive capabilities when sharing ideas and concepts.
• Ability to work with various patient populations.
• Understanding of state legislatorial processes preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office applications (SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, Excel).
• Experience using Survey Monkey or similar survey platform.
• Position is based in Washington, DC office, with a hybrid schedule

EDUCATION:

• Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Health or a related field required.

ADA PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The position requires being seated for several hours a day.
• The employee must frequently speak and hear as well as utilize the telephone, computer keyboard and monitor, pen and paper.
• The employee is required to walk and/or travel by car, train or plane.