Public Affairs Intern (Potential Insure Your Future)

Description

Come Smile with Us!

As a Public Affairs Intern for Delta Dental of Iowa, you will gain exposure and insights into how business, public health, policy, employee engagement, philanthropy and community impact intersect. Work alongside our talented team to support initiatives related to our Community Impact and external facing community and government relations initiatives. This may include employee volunteer programs, grant programs, community convenings, ribbon cuttings, and more!

Here is your chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom with meaningful work, network with fellow interns, and grow your career all while making a difference in our community. 

This temporary internship will start in May 18, 2025 and work from our Johnston, Iowa location. Hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (with occasional hybrid flexibility).

Learn why Tessa enjoyed being an Intern at Delta Dental.

Why Delta Dental of Iowa?

For your smile. For your health. For your community.

At Delta Dental of Iowa, we’re more than just a dental and vision insurance company. Improving health and wellness is at the center of everything we do. As a not-for-profit, we aim to build stronger communities by investing in actions that promote and improve health. Delta Dental of Iowa invests 40% of our dollars directly back into the communities we serve.

Come see why we are passionate about "Bringing Smiles" to our customers. Our team enjoys competitive pay and benefits, an awesome "One Team" approach, and a company culture that fosters "Exceptional Quality Service" and "Leadership at All Levels." Together, we can make a difference – not only in Iowa but across the country.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of corporate foundations, focusing on Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s mission, strategic areas, stakeholder relationships, brand awareness, and the broader Iowa funding landscape.
• Develop project, event, and volunteer management skills by assisting with volunteer initiatives and event logistics and promotion.
• Learn about grantmaking and community impact by understanding the process of grant proposal evaluation including reviewing applications, assessing organizational needs, and making funding recommendations.
• Develop skills in analyzing, interpreting and reporting data related to outcomes of grantees through their evaluations. Assist in collecting and preparing reports.
• Gain insights into challenges and opportunities faced nonprofits and public health organizations in our state by attending site visits and meetings with Foundation staff.
• Build communication and networking skills. Assist with communicating the impact and work of the Foundation and grant partners through press releases, social media posts and other channels. Build a network of contacts.
• Attend legislative meetings and events to gain an understanding of the role of public policy to our Foundation and business. 
• Engage in programs and networking opportunities to strengthen business acumen in the insurance industry. 
• Support internship program by motivating and driving participation among intern peers to fully engage with opportunities available throughout the summer.
• Represent Delta Dental of Iowa as well as the other Delta Dental companies in a professional manner both internally and externally.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1. Must be an undergraduate student working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, Human Services, Public Policy, Communications or related field.
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified by transcript).
3. Enrolled in a college or university for Fall 2026. 
4. Familiarity with Microsoft programs.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Strong critical thinking skills.
7. Self-motivated to learn and ability to work independently and with a diverse group of stakeholders.
8. Basic knowledge of Public Health/Nonprofit sector
9. Travel and overnight stay may be required.
10. Must have a car, related insurance and valid unencumbered driver’s license.
11. Participants will be required to submit a written analysis of project work and present a summary of analysis to leadership at the end of the program.
12. Freshman and Sophomore candidates will participate in the Insure Your Future program with specific leadership development/networking opportunities on the following dates from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.: