Advocacy Intern

Functional Title: Advocacy Intern Department: Health Strategies/Advocacy Term of Internship: 2015 Fall (unpaid) Location: American Heart Association Austin Location- 10900 Stonelake Blvd Suite 320, Austin TX Reports to: Vice President of Advocacy /Local Policy Manager & Affiliate Advocacy Specialist GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Assists in legislative and policy research work. Shadow staff serving as liaison between the American Heart Association and governmental / legislative entities. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of volunteers. Daily work and duties would be done with minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Daily tasks would include: • Analyzing SouthWest Affiliate tracking reports; • Monitoring committee hearings (online & in person); • Attending meetings; • Assisting in messaging and media advocacy plan for the AHA; • Assisting with tracking news articles in local papers; • Attending meetings & press conferences on AHA issues; • Assisting with messaging for AHA action alerts; • Assisting with Advocating for Heart Days. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Experience and Education Experience working with federal advocacy, state legislative, or local government activities is preferred but not required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Knowledge of the federal and state legislative process, regulatory process and state and local government administration. • Knowledge of leadership principles. • Excellent verbal and written skills. • Skill in compiling, evaluating, and presenting legislative information, in problem-solving and negotiating, and in policy analysis and research. • Ability to participate in meetings, work in a team environment and interact with all levels of AHA staff, volunteers and public.