Government Relations & Public Policy Internship

Seattle Children's•Seattle, WA

About The Position

This internship provides students with an inclusive, hands-on learning environment to build skills and explore career areas at Seattle Children’s. Interns collaborate with a team, complete substantive projects with guidance from experienced mentors, develop professional networks, and participate in career development activities. Created to honor the legacy of U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott, M.D., the internship offers direct experience in community health, advocacy, public policy, research, and analysis. Interns learn from leaders inside and outside the organization and connect with other summer interns. Training includes an orientation to Seattle Children’s and meaningful exposure for those considering careers in community health, government, political science, social services, or related fields. The intern supports government relations advocacy across Seattle Children’s hospital, research institute, and foundation. Work includes researching and analyzing policy, developing proposals and advocacy materials, and tracking policy developments relevant to pediatric health, health care, hospitals, and child well-being.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Be in the senior year of college, recently graduated, or enrolled in a graduate program.
Experience tracking data and preparing reports using Word, Excel, and/or Access.
Experience providing administrative support and/or customer service.
Ability to effectively problem-solve and handle moderately to highly complex problems or issues in standard or emergent situations, and to be innovative and creative.
Ability to work with a diverse group of people in a fast-paced environment, often with frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently, prioritize work from multiple sources, and participate effectively as a team member.

Nice To Haves

In-progress master’s degree or equivalent in political science, public health, communications, social work, or government.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and develop policy proposals, messaging, and advocacy strategies.
Provide the team and lobbyists with timely research, analysis, written materials, and briefings on relevant issues.
Track, monitor, and analyze proposed and existing policies related to pediatric health, health care, hospitals, and child well-being; assess their impact and recommend positions and strategies to the government relations team.
Track pending policy proposals through legislative, regulatory, and other policy-development processes, including triaging new bills.
Assist with event planning and organizing, and prepare information.
Facilitate government affairs advocacy efforts across the hospital, research institute, and foundation.