Intern, Advocacy and Public Policy

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for an Intern, Advocacy and Public Policy in Chicago, IL. Alongside members of the Advocacy & Public Policy team, you will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. 

The intern will assist the American Lung Association in Illinois staff to execute Advocacy activities to gain experience in the field of public health policy at the state and local levels.

This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 10 hours per week (flexible schedule) and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement.   This position is for the Spring 2026 term and must be completed by May 31, 2026.

PROJECTS  

This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in organization, project prioritization and communications.  The intern can expect to develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities:

• Gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association
  • Become knowledgeable of mission, development, and communications efforts.
  • Gain technical training by utilizing Microsoft Office applications and Canva.
  • Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
• Advocacy
  • Research and summarize public health facts and figures. 
  • Assist in analyzing commercial tobacco control, air quality, healthcare access policies in the areas of protecting indoor and outdoor air quality, tobacco control funding and lung disease prevention and treatment. 
  • Assist with identifying, scheduling and conducting outreach to legislators, legislative staff and other decision makers throughout the state of Illinois.
  • Assist with the development of presentations and other tailored educational materials on lung health policy topics to various community groups.
  • Assemble health education materials for presentations and tabling events; participate in community health events.
  • Help identify and recruit residents of local communities to participate in advocacy activities.
  • Assist with data collection for legislative fact sheets, email alerts, letters-to-the-editor and social media messaging.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:  

• Gain a basic understanding of state government platforms. 
• Learn more about Non-Profit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts.
• Gain technical training by utilizing Microsoft Office applications and Canva.
• Learn about team building and collaborating with staff.
• Learn how to develop communications for advocates, legislators, legislative staff and other policymakers. 
• Learn to cultivate relationships.
• Learn how to communicate in a professional office setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Public Health, or related field 
• Must be eligible to receive academic credit for internship or fulfill an internship graduation requirement
• Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in public health advocacy or non-profit management
• Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
• Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently
• Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
• Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping

Required Documentation:  Before unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The American Lung Association is committed to employ, in its best judgment, the most suitable candidates for approved positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in compliance with all applicable employment laws. We are an equal opportunity employer: women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Policy Statement 

It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The American Lung Association will take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat all individuals in the foregoing categories without discrimination in all employment practices. This policy applies in all Human Resources actions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation and training.