NAF is seeking a motivated law/pre-law school or public policy graduate/undergraduate student for a June 17 – October 15, 2024, Public Policy & Advocacy Internship. The internship will provide students with the opportunity to learn about federal and state rare disease patient advocacy, research development and health policies while developing their research, writing, organization, communications, and outreach skills. Specifically, the intern will assist with strategizing, planning, and implementing NAF’s federal and state public advocacy priorities, initiatives, and events.
View the full list of qualifications and responsibilities on the Public Policy & Advocacy Intern Position Profile.
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Compensation / Time Commitment
$16 per hour / 10 hours per week (15 hour/week maximum)
Benefits to the Intern
- Experience at a mission-driven nonprofit organization with over 12,000 members.
- Immersion in pressing issues facing America’s rare disease populations and communities.
- Deep familiarity with strategies to address healthcare access and research development on a national, regional, and local level.
- Experience with national and regional initiatives.
- Experience planning and implementing national advocacy and outreach campaigns, both internally and as part of national coalitions.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: January 29, 2024
Send cover letter and resume to Lori Shogren, Community Services Director at lori@ataxia.org noting “Advocacy Intern” in the subject line. No calls please.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist NAF in public policy and advocacy analysis and strategy.
- Support the work of NAF and the Community Services Director by providing analysis, research, training/technical assistance, on a range of issues relevant to families impacted by Ataxia including: health care access, insurance coverage, research funding, and treatment development.
- Draft summary briefs and other substantive communication materials that explain policy issues to various audiences and that can be used by advocates for local, state, and national advocacy, including: one-pagers; issue briefs; legal analysis; talking points; infographics; and other visuals.
- Track federal legislation and appropriation items identified as priorities for NAF.
- Participate in a range of coalition activities, including attending meetings of coalitions whose policy content intersects with NAF’ interests.
- Develop reports to track the involvement, interest, skills, committee assignments, etc. of Community Advocates and Congressional Members
- Other duties as assigned.
Assist NAF in outreach and education efforts related to public policy and advocacy.
- Assist in the implementation of training focused on strengthening the advocacy skills of Community Advocates including staff, board members, and volunteers.
- Aid in promoting and communicating NAF policy initiatives and advocacy opportunities through social media, webinars, E-News, and other channels.
- Engage with outreach to Community Advocates to promote advocacy opportunities and discuss legislative priorities.
- Conduct Survey and analysis of Community Members and issues of interest/impact to them.
