Description:

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to intern in its Policy Department as a Government Relations Intern. This is an incredible learning opportunity to learn cutting-edge, meaningful work for a nationally-renowned non-profit AIDS organization. Our interns play a vital role in our organizational success, and can anticipate a challenging but rewarding experience.

The Government Relations Intern will be supervised by AFC’s Policy Coordinator, and will assist the Policy team in a wide range of areas relating to legislative research, advocacy, and community relations. Prospective interns will become familiar with state and federal HIV/AIDS-related policy issues, prevention and healthcare advocacy, political engagement and decision-making, and obtain a meaningful understanding of how the legislative process affects the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.

This internship is designed to be both educational and practical. In this position, the intern will learn how to take skills she or he may have acquired in school related to his or her particular areas of interest, and apply them in a professional setting. He or she will gain a better understanding of the role played by non-profit organizations with respect to government relations, and be better prepared to work in the arena of HIV/AIDS, public health, or policy. The candidate will also have opportunities to network with program staff, policy staff, development staff, and the broader community.

The Government Relations intern will learn:
• Vital collaboration skills by working with partner organizations and consumers on advocacy campaigns;
• How to develop targeted presentations and fact sheets regarding HIV/AIDS statistics and prevention efforts;
• How to conduct coordinated outreach campaigns with the HIV/AIDS community;
• How to plan and coordinate large advocacy conferences and events;
• How to write and post feature articles on AFC-run blogs;
• How to draft letters to and conduct follow-up with legislators and other government officials regarding HIV/AIDS and other important health care legislation.

Qualifications:
• Current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program with an interest and aptitude to work in public policy, public health, or government-related fields;
• Exceptional writing ability;
• Ability to work in a group setting;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and handle numerous assignments simultaneously;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and internet applications;
• Passion for social justice issues and the fight against HIV/AIDS;
• Previous experience in HIV/AIDS, public health, or policy is preferred;
• Volunteer experience or familiarity with non-profit organizations preferred.
• Able to commit a minimum 5 months for the internship

This internship is unpaid (stipend available), however, AFC can help interns obtain college credit for their internship, where available. The intern will receive necessary training and staff supervision. We require a minimum of 15 hours per week for a minimum of 5 months (though longer internships are preferred). Public policy, public health, and government majors are encouraged to apply.

End Date:

09/16/12,

Deadline:

September 16, 2012

Tags:

Government  Policy  HIV  AIDS  nonprofit   

More Internships in Illinois:

Latest Illinois Internships