Patient Advocacy & Government Affairs Intern

Ardelyx•Waltham, MA

About The Position

The Patient Advocacy & Government Affairs Intern will support Ardelyx’s corporate presence and relationship‑building efforts by helping to plan and execute a policy roundtable event that brings together state policymakers and advocates in addition to assisting with advocacy campaigns with internal and external stakeholders to elevate the voice of patients with IBS-C and CKD Reporting to the Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs team in Waltham, the intern will work on communications, event logistics, and stakeholder engagement activities that are central to the company’s government affairs and patient advocacy strategies.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Health, Communications, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional outreach and talking points.
Interest in patient advocacy, health policy, and/or government affairs.
Highly organized, detail oriented, and comfortable managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
Desire to learn, open to constructive mentoring and feedback. Good sense of humor and desire to serve others.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with event planning, advocacy, or community engagement is a plus.
Familiarity with state government or legislative processes is helpful but not required.
Comfort interacting with external stakeholders (legislators, staff, advocates) in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

Draft invitations, outreach emails, and other communication materials for policymakers, staff, and advocacy organizations and internal stakeholders.
Develop talking points and key messages for internal leaders and speakers participating in the roundtable.
Assist with scheduling and attending meetings with state legislators, staff, and advocates to discuss event objectives and logistics.
Help secure and coordinate meeting space (either at Ardelyx or an external venue), including room setup needs and on-site logistics.
Draft social media messaging and internal communications to promote the event and highlight Ardelyx’s engagement.
Manage event materials, including briefing documents, agendas, handouts, and any leave behind resources.
Track RSVPs, maintain attendee lists, and support day of event execution (check in, logistics, troubleshooting).
Assist with post event follow up, including thank you communications and basic summary notes or readouts.
Meet with internal and external stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, patient organizations and community members to better understand the impact of CKD and IBS-C on quality of life, mental wellbeing, and daily management.
Draft campaign plans for IBS-C awareness project in IBS-C and assist with logistics of project, including participant tracking, email blasts, platform set up and communications.
Work with patient advocacy regional managers on projects as needed in both IBS-C and CKD.