Legislative Affairs Intern

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working in External Affairs from the agency’s Columbus office and with some hybrid elements, the Legislative Affairs Intern will support public policy and legislative affairs efforts – with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare policy – at the state and federal levels. In coordination and with support from professional staff, the Legislative Affairs Intern will monitor committee hearings, track bills, draft summary memos, communicate with elected officials, and engage in other part of the legislative process. Throughout the internship, the Legislative Affairs Intern will also have a variety of other learning opportunities related to governmental relations work more broadly. The duration of this internship is from May 26 to August 8, 2025. (Interviews are expected to occur from mid-April to early May.)

SALARY: 

UNPAID INTERNSHIP

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, relationship building; traveling; driving and having reliable transportation; utilizing a computer for typing and conducting research; online outreach and conducting research; utilizing a telephone; attending meetings; presenting to small and large groups; process paperwork and forms; and the like.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Overall Duties:

• Collaborate with the Director of External Affairs and other departmental staff to support public policy and legislative affairs efforts – with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare policy – at the state and federal levels
• Attend and monitor both in-person and virtual committee hearings in the Ohio General Assembly and the US Congress, while communicating relevant updates
• Track bills across the legislative process (i.e. drafting/introduction to voting) and coordinate with staff to determine actions at each step of the process
• Communicate – with support from staff – with elected officials and staff in the Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Senate, US Congress, and/or other related governmental bodies, when applicable
• Perform other miscellaneous duties related to legislative affairs and governmental relations work more broadly

Miscellaneous:

• Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients and conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service
• Continuously grow and develop cultural competency, exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity
• Contribute to a positive work environment by demonstrating unconditional positive regard to all Equitas Health employees, interns, etc. with an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Behaviors 

Required

• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

Required

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

EDUCATION:

Required

• Some college or better.

EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Interest in government, public policy, and the legislative process required
• Ability to dedicate an average of 10 hours per week for a 4-month fall/spring semester internship or 14-16 hours per week for a 2.5 summer semester internship (i.e. equivalent to a 3-hour credit course)
• Actively enrolled in an undergraduate (2 or 4 year) or graduate program

Preferred

• Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications preferred
• Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, AOD/injection drug use, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community.
• Experience with governmental relations and/or advocacy preferred
• Experience with data entry and management preferred

EEOC STATEMENT:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)