Intern - State Advocacy

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Position Title: Intern - State Advocacy
Location: Jackson
Country: United States
Deadline Date: April 4, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The American Heart Association (AHA) was founded in 1924 and has since made significant strides in reducing cardiovascular disease deaths by half. The organization is dedicated to overcoming major health challenges and ensuring a healthier future for all. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to inclusivity and community impact. The organization emphasizes work-life harmonization and offers numerous resources for professional development and personal well-being.

Job Overview:
The internship program at the American Heart Association provides college students with hands-on experience in a non-profit environment, specifically focusing on state advocacy efforts to expand access to care in Mississippi. Interns will work approximately 20 hours per week from May 19, 2025, to August 22, 2025, in a hybrid position, requiring them to reside in the Jackson, Mississippi region. The internship aims to equip participants with essential job skills, enhance their academic and professional resumes, and foster personal growth through meaningful contributions to community health initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for compiling research and conducting data analysis to support advocacy efforts. They will prepare various materials such as fact sheets, infographics, and slide decks for policy campaigns. Additionally, interns will represent the AHA at community events, assist in recruiting and training grassroots advocates, and contribute to social media content creation. They will also schedule and participate in meetings with state and local lawmakers, develop and deliver formal presentations, and engage in coalition meetings to further advocacy goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have advanced undergraduate or graduate coursework in fields such as political science, public policy, public relations, history, sociology, communications, journalism, public health, or health sciences. A strong interest in public policy, grassroots organizing, and media advocacy is preferred. Interns must demonstrate professionalism in both corporate and non-profit settings, possess effective written and presentation skills, and be capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in software applications like Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required, along with the ability to travel within the state 20-25% of the time.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be pursuing advanced undergraduate or graduate studies in relevant fields such as political science, public policy, public relations, history, sociology, communications, journalism, public health, or health sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of advocacy work and contributing effectively to the AHA's mission.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in public policy and advocacy. Experience in community organizing, communications, or related fields will be beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application. The internship is designed to provide practical experience, making it suitable for students looking to gain exposure in the non-profit sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, during standard business hours. The position is hybrid, meaning interns must reside in the Jackson, Mississippi area. Compensation for the internship is set at $23.00 per hour, and the application deadline is April 4, 202

• The AHA offers various benefits, including access to healthcare programs and professional development opportunities through its corporate university, HeartU.