Policy Intern

The Policy Intern will support the USAPA’s policy development and advocacy efforts through research, drafting, and coordination activities. This role is designed for graduate students or early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience in public health policy, legislative advocacy, and coalition-based organizing.

The intern will work closely with senior leadership and the USAPA Policy Committee. The position is fully remote; however, interns based in Portland, Oregon may be invited to participate in occasional in-person meetings with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on alcohol policy issues, including federal and state legislative developments, regulatory frameworks, and public health evidence
• Draft policy briefs, issue summaries, talking points, and legislative testimony
• Track relevant state and federal policy proposals and summarize developments
• Schedule policy meetings with partners, policymakers, and coalition members
• Take detailed notes during meetings and prepare concise follow-up summaries
• Attend and participate in online coalition meetings
• Support preparation for advocacy campaigns and policy briefings

Qualifications

• Current graduate student, or recent graduate, in public policy, public health, political science, law, or a related field
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex material clearly and concisely
• Professional communication skills and comfort interacting with policy stakeholders
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage 6–8 hours per week consistently

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in public health, substance use policy, or regulatory policy
• Experience with legislative research or advocacy
• Familiarity with coalition-based work or nonprofit policy environments

Learning Outcomes

Interns will gain experience in:

• Policy analysis and development
• Legislative advocacy strategy
• Coalition engagement and stakeholder coordination
• Professional policy writing and testimony preparation

About the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance (USAPA)

Founded in 2014, the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance is the national voice on alcohol policy, working to change the narrative around alcohol, advance evidence-based policymaking at all levels, and build a public health–driven movement grounded in science. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization envisions a nation free from alcohol-related disease, death, and injury by translating alcohol policy research into practice. Learn more at www.AlcoholPolicy.org and follow USAPA on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Due to fundraising constraints, this is mostly an unpaid internship with a small monthly stipend. Interns will engage with some of the foremost alcohol policy experts in the country and will be exposed to emerging advocacy strategies.