Public Affairs & Community Impact Intern

Delta Dental group; Johnston, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Delta Dental of Iowa invites you to join as a Public Affairs Intern in Johnston, IA. You will support the Foundation, Community Impact, and Government Affairs with grantmaking, events, communications, and policy research, gaining exposure to nonprofit leadership and public health advocacy.

The program emphasizes stakeholder engagement, data reporting, and collaborative projects that advance Iowa’s oral health and community well‑being.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Social Work, Sociology, Public Policy, Business Administration, Communications, Non Profit Management, Health Administration or related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified by transcript).
• Enrolled in Fall 2027.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Self-motivated to learn and work independently with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Interest in public health, public policy, philanthropy, community engagement, advocacy, and government affairs.
• Travel and overnight stay may be required.
• Must have a car, related insurance and valid unencumbered driver’s license.
• Participants will submit a written analysis of project work and present to leadership at the end of the program.
• Freshman and Sophomore candidates will participate in the Insure Your Future program with specific leadership development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support Foundation grantmaking activities, including proposal review and reporting.
• Assist planning and implementation of community events, stakeholder meetings, and volunteer initiatives.
• Support communications through content development, storytelling, impact reporting, and public-facing materials.
• Conduct research and analysis related to oral health, public health, community needs, and public policy.
• Attend community meetings, site visits, conferences, and partnership activities.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping, relationship management, and partnership development.
• Participate in legislative meetings, advocacy events, and public policy discussions.
• Monitor and summarize policy developments relevant to Delta Dental of Iowa and communities served.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners on strategic initiatives.
• Support internship program by motivating peers and engaging with opportunities.
• Complete a capstone project and present key learnings to leadership.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research & analysis

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Independent work

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Social Work, Sociology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Delta Dental of Iowa invites you to join as a Public Affairs Intern in Johnston, IA. You will support the Foundation, Community Impact, and Government Affairs with grantmaking, events, communications, and policy research, gaining exposure to nonprofit leadership and public health advocacy.

The program emphasizes stakeholder engagement, data reporting, and collaborative projects that advance Iowa’s oral health and community well‑being.