Public Health Intern

Who We Are

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.

DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.

Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.

The Position

The Public Health Intern will support DPA’s public health portfolio through policy research, legislative analysis and drafting, and development of advocacy materials, including model legislation, policy briefs, fact sheets, and sample testimony. The Public Health Intern will be exposed to a wide range of policy issues in the realms of harm reduction, including syringe service programs, naloxone, drug checking, and overdose prevention centers, substance use disorder treatment, medications for opioid use disorder, and much more.

Responsibilities

• Support advocacy efforts at federal, state, and local levels of government in coordination with DPA’s staff and allies.
• Perform in-depth policy research and analysis on emerging areas of drug policy.
• Develop advocacy materials, such as policy briefs, model legislation, fact sheets, and sample testimony that are consistent with the organization’s overall mission, philosophy, and strategic plan and objectives.
• Track and analyze legislation and organize information into spreadsheets.
• Monitor emerging issues that impact DPA’s policy priorities.
• Collaborate as needed with other DPA departments, such as Communications, Research, and Development, to further organizational goals and projects.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate-level program (e.g., MPH, JD, etc.)
• Comfortable leading and maintaining portfolio of work with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Versatility working with diverse partners, including community-based organizations, community members/constituents, and people directly impacted by the war on drugs.
• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor are essential.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Your resume.
2. A cover letter

About Internship Program:

DPA’s remote internships are designed to provide an integrated and educational experience for those interested in learning about drug policy. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education.

This is an unpaid remote internship. At this time, we are only able to accept interns who can get academic credit or who have secured external funding.

This flexible, remote-friendly internship is designed to fit your academic schedule and help you grow your professional network and portfolio.  Gain hands-on experience working with passionate drug policy experts on meaningful projects. You will also develop real-world skills in communication, time management, and advocacy.

Our summer internship program begins in June 2026 and will run for approximately 8-12 weeks.

Interns may work up to 20 hours per week. The exact schedule will be set collaboratively between the intern and their supervisor. 

Equal Opportunity

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.  Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.