Public Affairs Intern - Summer 2027 (Potential Insure Your Future)

Delta Dental of Iowa•Urbandale, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Public Affairs Intern for Delta Dental of Iowa, you will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of philanthropy, public health, community impact, communications, public policy, and government affairs. Working alongside Community Impact, Foundation, and Government Affairs leaders, you will support initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Iowans through strategic grantmaking, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, employee engagement, and community partnerships. This internship provides meaningful exposure to careers in philanthropy, public health, public affairs, nonprofit leadership, communications, and government relations. The intern will contribute to projects that support Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation priorities, community impact initiatives, legislative and advocacy efforts, and organizational engagement activities while building professional networks and practical skills. The internship will be based in Johnston, Iowa, and will primarily support Community Impact and Foundation activities, with approximately one third of the experience dedicated to Government Affairs and public policy initiatives.

Requirements

Must be an undergraduate student working toward 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.