Public Affairs Intern — Health, Policy & Community Impact

Delta Dental of Iowa; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Professional development

Job summary

Delta Dental of Iowa is offering a Public Affairs Internship anchored in Johnston, IA, delivering hands-on experience at the nexus of philanthropy, public health, and government affairs. You’ll work with the Community Impact, Foundation, and Government Affairs teams on grantmaking, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy projects.

The internship provides exposure to nonprofit leadership, policy research, and community partnerships, with a capstone presentation to leadership at the end of the

Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate student pursuing 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.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (verified by transcript).
• Enrolled in a college or university for Fall 2027.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 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 ability to work independently and 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 be required to submit a written analysis of project work and present a summary of analysis to leadership at the end of the program.
• Freshman and Sophomore candidates will participate in the Insure Your Future program with specific leadership development/networking opportunities.

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.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Public health interest

Public policy interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Delta Dental of Iowa is offering a Public Affairs Internship anchored in Johnston, IA, delivering hands-on experience at the nexus of philanthropy, public health, and government affairs. You’ll work with the Community Impact, Foundation, and Government Affairs teams on grantmaking, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy projects.

The internship provides exposure to nonprofit leadership, policy research, and community partnerships, with a capstone presentation to leadership at the end of the