HIV Vanguard Fellow

Position Summary

FreeState Justice seeks an HIV Vanguard Fellow to support our HIV policy advocacy and public health equity work. This position is part of the Vanguard HIV Policy Change Makers Fellowship, a 12-month program developed in partnership with Equality Federation. The intern will gain hands-on experience in LGBTQ+ and HIV policymaking and will leave the fellowship with the skills, knowledge, and professional network to lead in this field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on HIV policy issues affecting marginalized communities.
• Develop and advocate for policy solutions that address structural barriers to HIV prevention and treatment access.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community stakeholders to advance HIV policy priorities.
• Support FreeState Justice and Equality Federation HIV policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Represent FreeState Justice and Equality Federation at conferences, meetings, and community events as assigned.
• Participate in at least one Equality Federation coaching session per month.
• Complete all curriculum modules and required trainings designed by Equality Federation.
• In collaboration with the 2026 Vanguard HIV Policy Change Makers Fellows cohort, design and facilitate three publicly accessible trainings, with at least one developed in partnership with Equality Federation's Project Game Changer Cohort. Trainings should focus on integrating HIV advocacy priorities into organizing and base-building work that builds power and access for the most impacted communities.
• Attend Equality Federation's Leadership Conference taking place from Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to Friday, July 24, 2026.

Fellowship Benefits

• $12,000 stipend paid at $1,000 per month over 12 months.
• Access to Equality Federation's annual Leadership Conference.
• Tailored one-on-one professional coaching sessions.
• Curriculum-based training and skills development.
• Direct access to a network of advocates, policymakers, and public health professionals.

About FreeState Justice

FreeState Justice is Maryland's statewide LGBTQ+ legal advocacy organization. We provide direct legal services, lead policy and legislative advocacy, and build the capacity of communities most affected by discrimination and inequity. Our work spans HIV advocacy, victim services, housing justice, and public safety reform.

About Equality Federation

Equality Federation is an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice, building the power and capacity of state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations nationwide.