Public Affairs 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

Description

Come Smile with Us!

As a Public Affairs Intern for Delta Dental of Iowa, you will gain hands on experience at the intersection of philanthropy, public health, community impact, communications, public policy, and government affairs. Working alongside Community Impact, Foundation, and Government Affairs leaders, you will support initiatives that improve the health and well‑being of Iowans through strategic grantmaking, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, employee engagement, and community partnerships.

This internship provides meaningful exposure to careers in philanthropy, public health, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, communications, and government relations. The intern will contribute to projects that support Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation priorities, community impact initiatives, legislative and advocacy efforts, and organizational engagement activities while building professional networks and practical skills.

The internship will be based in Johnston, Iowa, and will primarily support Community Impact and Foundation activities, with approximately one third of the experience dedicated to Government Affairs and public policy initiatives.

This temporary internship will start on May 19, 2027, 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 her Delta Dental of Iowa Internship.

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 philanthropy and community impact through Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation's mission, strategic priorities, stakeholder relationships, and funding approach.
• Develop project, event, volunteer, and stakeholder engagement skills through participation in community initiatives and organizational events.
• Learn the grantmaking process, including proposal review, community needs assessment, funding recommendations, and grantee relationship management.
• Develop skills in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data related to grant outcomes and community impact initiatives.
• Gain insight into challenges and opportunities facing Iowa's oral health, public health, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors.
• Build professional communication and networking skills through meetings, presentations, community convenings, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Increase understanding of the connection between business, public health, public policy, advocacy, and community impact.
• Gain exposure to government affairs through legislative meetings, policy research, issue monitoring, advocacy activities, and relationship building with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Develop an understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes that influence healthcare, oral health, insurance, and community well‑being in Iowa.
• Strengthen leadership and professional skills through collaboration, project ownership, and presentation of key learnings to organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Foundation grantmaking activities, including proposal review, grantee engagement, reporting, and special projects.
• Assist with planning and implementation of community events, stakeholder meetings, volunteer initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Support communications efforts through content development, storytelling, impact reporting, social media support, and public facing materials.
• Conduct research and analysis related to oral health, public health, community needs, public policy, and emerging trends.
• Attend community meetings, site visits, conferences, and partnership activities to gain exposure to community impact work.
• Assist with stakeholder mapping, relationship management, and partnership development activities.
• Participate in legislative meetings, advocacy events, and public policy discussions as opportunities arise.
• Monitor and summarize policy developments and public affairs issues relevant to Delta Dental of Iowa and the communities it serves.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners on strategic initiatives and special projects.
• Support internship program by motivating and driving participation among intern peers to fully engage with opportunities available throughout the summer.
• Complete a capstone project and present key learnings, recommendations, and outcomes to leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Requirements

Required:

1. Must be an undergraduate student working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Social Work, Sociology, Human Services, Public Policy, Business Administration, Communications, Non Profit Management, Health Administration or related field.
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified by transcript).
3. Enrolled in a college or university for Fall 2027.
4. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Research and analytical skills.
7. Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
8. Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
9. Strong critical thinking skills.
10. Self-motivated to learn and ability to work independently and with a diverse group of stakeholders.
11. Interest in public health, public policy, philanthropy, community engagement, advocacy, and government affairs.
12. Travel and overnight stay may be required.
13. Must have a car, related insurance and valid unencumbered driver’s license.
14. 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.
15. Freshman and Sophomore candidates will participate in the Insure Your Future program with specific leadership development/networking opportunities.

Delta Dental of Iowa is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. It is also the policy of Delta Dental of Iowa to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of their status as individuals with disabilities or protected veterans, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements.