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 Monday, January 12 to Friday, May8, 2026. (Interviews are expected to occur from mid-November to mid-December.)

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Actively enrolled in an undergraduate (2 or 4 year) or graduate program

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)

Interest in government, public policy, and the legislative process required

Experience with data entry and management preferred

Experience with governmental relations and/or advocacy preferred

Strong written and verbal communication skills a must

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.

Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and other computer applications preferred

Reliable transportation, driver's license and proof of auto insurance required

OTHER INFORMATION:

Background check and reference checks will be conducted. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. In accordance with Equitas Health's Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. EOE//AA

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.