Intern, Advocacy and Public Policy

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for an Advocacy and Public Policy Intern in Sacramento, CA. Working alongside members of the Advocacy and Public Policy Team, the intern will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. 

The intern will assist the American Lung Association Advocacy and Public Policy staff to execute advocacy activities to gain experience in the field of advocacy and public policy (in commercial tobacco control).

This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 5 - 10 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill a graduation requirement. This position is for Fall 2026 and must be completed by June 2027.

LOCATION: This position will be remote. 

PROJECT

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in organization, multi-tasking and communications. The intern can expect to develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities:

• Gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association
  • Become knowledgeable of mission, development, and communications efforts.
  • Gain technical training by utilizing legislative tracking tools and online research.
  • Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
• Advocacy
  • Research and summarize public health facts and figures
  • Research and analyze state and local level policy activity in collaboration with Advocacy Director and Policy Manager.
  • Assist in analyzing tobacco control policies in the areas of smoke-free outdoor air, smoke-free multi-unit housing and restricting sales of flavored tobacco products in the production of the State of Tobacco Control 2027 – California Local Grades.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Gain a basic understanding of California Legislative Information website for tracking legislation.
• Learn more about Non-Profit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts.
• Gain technical training by utilizing online research tools.
• Learn about team building and collaborating with staff.
• Learn how to develop communications with elected officials, city council members, and stakeholders.
• Learn to cultivate relationships.
• Learn how to communicate orally and in writing with elected officials.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, or related field
• Must be eligible to receive college credit for internship
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing knowledge around public policy, advocacy and public health, or non-profit management.
• Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
• Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently
• Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form and are also required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless approved for medical or religious exemption.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

Before unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The American Lung Association is committed to employ, in its best judgment, the most suitable candidates for approved positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in compliance with all applicable employment laws. We are an equal opportunity employer: women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The American Lung Association will take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat all individuals in the foregoing categories without discrimination in all employment practices. This policy applies in all Human Resources actions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation and training.