Policy Intern (Graduate Student) - Hybrid: Remote in Boston area with 2 days in office
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Organizational Summary
Contraceptive care is basic health care. Yet too many patients in the U.S. struggle to access the care they want, when they want it.
A national nonprofit founded in 2014, Upstream USA partners with healthcare organizations to provide free training, education, and technical assistance to improve their contraceptive services and meet their patients’ needs – at no cost to them. Over ten years, we’ve supported 200+ healthcare partners (including primary care practices, federally qualified health centers, health systems, and more) with a transformative approach that empowers patients to access the contraceptive care where they already receive most of their healthcare. We’re on a path to partnering with health care organizations that collectively serve 5 million patients by 2030.
We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies or the government. Our work is made possible by generous support from venture philanthropy. That privilege comes with high expectations about growth and scale and a focus on measurable outcomes and impact.
We’re a 2023 Audacious Project recipient that continues to garner attention from many leading publications, including Harvard Public Health, Bloomberg, MedPage Today, Baltimore Sun, the Fresno Bee, and WBUR. We welcome individuals interested in career opportunities, partnerships, or philanthropic endeavors seeking additional information to visit our website (www.upstream.org) or email us at info@upstream.org.
Position Summary
As an Intern on our Policy team at Upstream, USA, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to various aspects of the Policy function. You will work closely with members of our Policy team to track systems change and policy implementation efforts across the country, conduct in-depth research into the payor landscape, monitor pharmacy-level access to contraception, and contribute to additional policy projects as needed. Availability to commit to 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship preferable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Tracking Systems Change
- Support the team in tracking the scale and impact of policy changes at the state and federal levels, helping to translate complex systems change efforts into measurable data points
- Identify indicators of strong implementation of contraceptive policy efforts and the factors that contribute to their success
- Synthesize existing research on the short and long term effects of contraception-related laws
- Payor Research and Engagement:
- Conduct research on state Medicaid priorities and highlight potential overlap with contraceptive access
- Examine managed care landscape in key states
- Synthesize research on innovative payor approaches to expanding contraceptive care and related priorities
Contraceptive access at the pharmacy level:
- Monitor state approaches to expanding pharmacy-level access to contraception (e.g. pharmacist prescribing, OTC coverage mandates)
- Identify key gaps and opportunities in priority states
- Additional duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Upstream fosters a mission-oriented workplace and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. The ideal candidate upholds our mission of accessible, patient-centered contraceptive care, builds trust through empathy and honesty, and contributes to a collaborative culture. They bring enthusiasm to their work, creating opportunities for connection and celebration.
- Pursuing a graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Law or a related field.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
- Some experience in and knowledge of policy and advocacy (state and/or local level) is preferable.
- Strong project manager. Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
- Proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office applications (Google Slides, Word, Excel).
- Enthusiastic about learning and contributing to the Policy function.
Travel Requirements
This role will require local travel twice each week into our Boston office for in person meetings. There may be an opportunity to attend a department retreat.
Hiring Range
The hourly rate is $30/hour for an advanced degree student internship.
Pay Transparency
Final offers for this position will be based upon several factors including the scope of the role, market compensation analysis, position requirements, candidate’s experience level and capabilities, fairness in internal pay considerations and will be made within the parameters of Upstream USA's compensation framework and philosophy.
Other Upstream Staff Expectations
- All Upstreamers must be able to attend work-related in-person meetings and functions as needed.
- In our hybrid work environments, there is a basic expectation that our Upstreamers will ensure that their work from home setups will have reliable access to phone and Internet to ensure connectivity to their teams.
- At Upstream we gather for moments that matter for training, teaming and connection. Our teams come together for occasional in person meetings and organizational retreats. As part of our hybrid work practices, this travel expectation will be applicable for all Upstreamers, even those based remotely.
- Engage in organization-sponsored learning & development
Upstream Benefits
Upstream USA offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long and short term disability, 401K with a match, generous vacation, personal, sick and holiday time off, parental leave, professional development, a fitness and cell phone allowance for all full time employees and part time employees who work a minimum of 24 hours per week. Intern positions and contingent worker roles are not eligible for benefits.
Hiring Process
Candidates who advance in our preliminary review process will have an opportunity to discuss the position, their employment background and lived experience with a member of our talent acquisition team by telephone. Those who advance to subsequent steps in our interview process may participate in up to three rounds of meetings by Zoom or in person and in a thought exercise/case study assignment. Each round could consist of multiple meetings with various Upstreamers. If you need anything in advance of your interviews, please reach out to your recruiter.
Our Culture
We are dedicated to fostering a fair and accessible talent lifecycle, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. From recruitment to career development, we strive to create a workplace where talent is recognized, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Building a strong, representative workforce is essential to our success, and we prioritize collaboration, transparency, and shared leadership to cultivate an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
Our commitment extends beyond hiring—we invest in professional growth, mentorship, and inclusive workplace practices to support long-term success for our employees. You can learn more about our organization on our career site.
Upstream Careers
Our goal is to attract, develop and retain exceptional people, and to create a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Upstream is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. Upstream USA participates in E-Verify.
Upstream Headquarters
2 Oliver Street, Suite 402, Boston, MA 02109
No phone calls please.
Be advised that we do not ever conduct hiring interviews via text or email. Please protect yourself by learning more about our hiring practices and common red flags to look out for.
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