Policy Intern

POLICY INTERN

Why is this a great job (From the hiring manager) This is an opportunity to learn about public health policy and advocacy by immersing yourself in a team committed to making Louisiana a better and healthier place for everyone.

ABOUT US

The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) is a statewide non-profit organization that has been promoting the health and well-being of Louisianians since 1997. Our 65 employees work alongside 500 partner organizations at the local state and national levels to leverage our broad expertise in public health to achieve our mission of ensuring that everyone has fair and just opportunities to be healthy and well.

Our strategic plan priority areas include Health Equity Partnerships and Collaboration A Healthier Louisiana and A Thriving Organization. To learn more visit .

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Policy Intern

Salary: Unpaid

Work Schedule: 10-hour work week

• LPHI offers traditional (M-F 8 am-5 pm) flexible (for example M-F 10 am-7pm) and compressed work schedules (for example M-Th 8 am-7 pm). Schedule details finalized between employee and manager.

Location: This is a Louisiana-based hybrid position with occasional (<10%) travel required

• LPHI maintains an office in New Orleans if the employee prefers to be full-time in-office
• Employee must reside in Louisiana during the time of employment

Team: Policy

Reports To: Senior Program Manager Policy

Supervises: none

Benefits:

• Non-benefit eligible position

ABOUT THE POSITION

A successful candidate will thrive in a team environment can proactively anticipate and manage challenges be a self-starter with strong abilities to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize appropriately. Day-to-day responsibilities may include managing schedules and meetings taking meeting minutes identifying and prioritizing items for attention documentation management and program activity coordination.

LPHI is seeking qualified interns to assist with statewide public policy and advocacy initiatives that are aligned with the organizations health policy priorities. The selected intern will work closely with LPHI staff on literature research information gathering bill tracking and preparation of presentations reports and other dissemination products.

LPHI welcomes masters level students to apply for this internship. Interns will assist with public policy research writing public policy briefs and public policy advocacy.

This internship opportunity will be an unpaid non-benefit eligible position. Commitments are part-time and will range in project length and time periods ideally from February 2026 through the end of June 2026.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Interns will work directly with the Senior Program Manager for Policy and gain experience by:

• Conduct research and literature reviews
• Assist with synthesizing findings and drafting policy advocacy documents
• Support LPHI staff in writing policy briefs reports and articles and dissemination efforts
• Support Coalition management including writing agendas taking minutes and disseminating relevant information.
• Track relevant legislation & provide regular report outs
• Other duties as assigned by Preceptor

ABOUT YOU

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or beyond (i.e. Masters degree) in progress
• Experience with research
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Interest in public health health systems research and/or evaluation methodologies

Skills Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Well-organized self-directed and able to complete multiple tasks in a timely and efficient manner
• Ability to learn new subject areas quickly
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications
• A commitment to actively working in alignment with public health with other social racial and economic justice movements
• Ability to function independently and as a team member

Please include details regarding your availability in your cover letter.

Your Impact at LPHI
The work you do at LPHI supports the organizations ability to operate effectively and serve its mission. Your role contributes to how work gets done across teamshelping ensure efforts are organized responsive and aligned to organizational priorities that improve and advance health equity.

We value collaboration respect for lived experience and continuous learning and we strive to create an environment where every team member can contribute fully to advancing Health Equity strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration building a Healthier Louisiana and supporting a Thriving Organization.

How We Work

Work Environment & Physical Considerations:

We operate in a flexible work environment that includes both hybrid and fully remote roles depending on position responsibilities and organizational needs. Our approach emphasizes trust accountability collaboration and clear outcomes.

In all roles employees can expect:

• Clear goals priorities and performance expectations
• Regular communication with supervisors and colleagues to support alignment and progress
• Thoughtful use of technology to enable effective collaboration and productivity
• Shared responsibility for maintaining a consistent organizational voice and upholding our values

Some positions require a hybrid schedule with periodic onsite presence to support collaboration relationship-building and key meetings. Other positions are designated as fully remote. Work arrangements are determined by role requirements and may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: Louisiana Public Health Institute is committed to accessibility and inclusion by providing reasonable accommodations and when appropriate flexible work arrangements for qualified individuals with disabilities to support the job application process and performance of essential job functions consistent with applicable laws and organizational requirements. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at .

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Louisiana Public Health Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including hair texture and natural hair styles) color religion religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming practices) sex (including pregnancy perceived pregnancy childbirth breastfeeding or related medical conditions) gender gender identity (including transgender identity status and transitioning) gender expression and sex stereotyping national origin ancestry citizenship age physical or mental disability legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information) family care or medical leave status military caregiver status military status veteran status marital status domestic partner status sexual orientation status as a victim of domestic violence sexual assault or stalking enrollment in a public assistance program engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice or any other basis protected by local state or federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these factors.

*As with all positions at LPHI this position is funded through grant and/or contract funding which is renewed under the provisions of the grantor of the contract. Positions are contingent upon the continuation of grant/contract funding.