Intern, Public Policy & Advocacy

Working alongside members of the American Lung Association staff and members of the Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato coalition, the Intern, Public Policy & Advocacy, 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 by supporting Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato coalition initiatives to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and connect young people to resources to help them live nicotine-free. This position centers around building capacity for change and networking within systems to protect young people from the harm of nicotine addiction. This internship provides activities to gain experience in the field of community organizing, coalition building and advocacy.

This is a paid internship position offering a $1000 stipend, requiring a minimum time commitment of 15 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement. This position will be for Spring 2026 Semester.

PROJECTS

Skills

This internship offers a valuable opportunity to build skills in organization, multi-tasking and communications. Interns will gain confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with the following activities:

• Assist in building support for commercial tobacco free policies such as restricting flavored tobacco and nicotine products in the communities of Mankato, North Mankato, and Saint Peter.
• Develop professional educational materials, communications, events
• Gather and analyze data, disseminate findings
• Assist with communication and social media materials
• Networking and relationship-building with existing and potential partners
• Performing other duties as assigned, including some administrative tasks
  
  

Learning Outcomes

• Understand non-profit structure, mission, and communication practices.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams proficiently.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Develop communication materials for health education, outreach, and policy.
• Recruit, mobilize, and engage community members in advocacy efforts.
• Deliver effective health education in outreach settings.
• Build and maintain professional relationships.
• Communicate confidently in a professional office setting.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be working towards a bachelor’s degree in applied health science, public health, sociology, social justice, mental health or substance use, nursing, or related field
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in Public Health, Health Sciences, Advocacy, 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 demonstrate 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, including vaping.
  
  

Required Documentation: Before an 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.

Questions? For more details about this role please reach out to alahr@lung.org

The American Lung Association is dedicated to a diverse workforce.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V