Public Policy Intern

Position: Public Policy Intern

Reports to: Senior Director, Public Policy Communications

Position Status: Paid; $18.40 per hour

Position Timeline: Winter 2027 (Mid-January – April); 20 hours per week

Location: Washington, District of Columbia (Hybrid Position)

The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience, and passion of our global Parkinson's community.

The Public Policy Intern will work with the Washington, D.C.-based policy team to support the Foundation’s public policy work. The intern will gain real-world public policy experience by working with the Federal and State policy teams on a variety of projects. Opportunities will include supporting advocacy campaigns, engaging with policymakers and partners, and conducting policy-related research and analysis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct research on federal and state policies affecting Parkinson’s disease research, prevention, and care.
• Analyze legislation, regulations, judicial rulings, and emerging policy issues.
• Track and summarize legislative, regulatory, and media developments relevant to the Foundation’s policy priorities.
• Draft policy briefs, background materials, advocacy alerts, social media content, blog posts, and other policy communications.
• Support planning and execution of advocacy campaigns.
• Attend public policy events, including hearings and briefings, creating summaries for the policy team.
• Support efforts to track and evaluate public policy communications and advocacy engagement.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse surrounding relevant policy issues and advocacy campaigns.
• Perform other internship-related duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Current college undergraduate student or graduate student
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Prior public health, environmental health, or policy communications experience a plus
• Interested in the non-profit sector, specifically public health policy
• Access to computer, phone, and internet
• Familiarity with social media, digital advocacy, or media monitoring tools a plus.
• Prior work or intern experience a plus

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email resume and cover letter to internships@parkinson.org. Applications are due by November 20, 2026. Please indicate “Public Policy Intern” in the subject line. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. No phone calls, please.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our culture and in our work on behalf of people with Parkinson's disease.

Applicants must have the required documents to work in the US. Please visit this webpage for more information.