Organizational Overview 

The Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA) is a champion for public health in the Commonwealth. We are a catalyst for change, eliminating health inequities and promoting healthy communities for all. As a statewide organization, MPHA engages local leaders, state organizations, public officials, and others to improve the health of all the Commonwealth’s residents. MPHA uses an effective combination of advocacy, education, community organizing, policy development, and coalition leadership to secure investments in public health, promote health equity, and bolster our public health infrastructure. In all our work, we seek to improve the social conditions in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces that have an impact on health and to listen to the voices and priorities of communities most impacted by health inequities. 

Promoting racial justice is a core component of MPHA’s work and identity. As MPHA pursues policy changes to promote health equity, we strive to confront the history of systemic racism and other forms of oppression that have been embedded in public policy. MPHA’s Health Equity Policy Framework guides our external work and internal practices in addressing all forms of health inequities. The framework places special emphasis on racial inequities because we believe that this injustice needs explicit attention. 

MPHA online: 

• Website: www.mapublichealth.org 

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MAPublicHealth 

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mapublichealth 

• Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/mapublichealth.org 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mapublichealth

Student Intern Roles and Responsibilities 

The Communications Intern will play an important role in designing and executing strategic communications campaigns to support key MPHA policy priorities and organizational visibility. Student interns may act as the lead on one or more projects over the course of the semester(s), to be determined based on matching student interest and skills with organizational need. In addition, students will play a support role on other projects, working closely with members of the MPHA Policy & Campaign Team, development staff, and communications consultant. The Communications Intern reports to the Director of Communications. Projects may include: 

• Research and writing on policy priorities, including drafting content for MPHA’s monthly newsletter, presentations, fact sheets, and press releases 

• Content creation in support of advocacy and development activities, including designing social media campaigns, drafting social media posts, and designing fact sheets and one-pagers 

• Monitoring news, including tracking press clips 

• Analyzing data and designing infographics 

• Photography, videography, or video production 

• Supporting communications team responsibilities at MPHA events, including the MPHA Annual Conference, Public Health Excellence Day, and ballot campaigns. 

Desired Skills and Qualifications 

• Undergraduate or graduate student in journalism, public relations, communications, public health, social work (macro), or related field.  

• Familiarity with print and digital news media, content creation for social media platforms, and graphic design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe, etc.) 

• Experience with community organizing or advocacy – either paid or volunteer 

• Ability to flex different communications skills and styles for difference audiences 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others 

• Commitment to public health, prevention, and health equity 

• Highly organized and motivated 

**Candidates must maintain active enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program throughout the entire internship period.** 

Commitment and Compensation 

• This is a semester-long internship starting in September 2026 and ending in December 2026. We are flexible about specific start and end dates depending on the selected candidate’s academic schedule. The weekly time commitment is 16-20 hours.  

• We encourage all student interns to seek funding from their educational institutions or other sources. For student interns without outside funding, MPHA will pay a stipend of up to $5500 per semester at a rate of up to $22 per hour for graduate students and a stipend of up to $5000 at a rate of $20 per hour for undergraduate students (less if students have partial funding from other sources).  

• MPHA is not able to provide student interns with a computer. Student interns will be expected to use their own laptop.  

• Student interns must be based in Massachusetts for the duration of the internship and must be able to travel to Boston from time to time as needed. Currently, all MPHA staff and interns are working primarily remotely and travelling to the office two days per week. We anticipate that MPHA staff will continue to work a hybrid schedule in 2026. Student interns based outside of Greater Boston may be allowed to work primarily remotely, though some travel to Boston for events (e.g. rallies, press conferences, lobby days, public hearings, etc.) will be required.   

Application Process 

The application cycle for the 2026 Fall Communications internship will open on May 20, 2026, and close at 5:00 PM on Friday, June 19.  

Application Deadlines 

• Applications will be accepted between May 20, 2026, and June 19, 2026. 

• Select candidates will be invited to interview between June 29, 2026, and July 10, 2026. 

• We hope to make a final offer the week of July 31, 2026, or sooner. 

• The internship will begin mid-September 2026. The exact start date will be confirmed upon selection. 

How to Apply 

Using the application form link, send a cover letter, resume, and up to two writing samples. For the writing sample(s) one writing sample from the list below is required; a second writing sample is optional. 

• Narrative writing sample (no more than 1 page related to policy advocacy) and/or  

• Samples of other communications work (no more than 2 pages), like social media posts, infographics, links to video content you have produced, etc.  

Please consider the intern projects above when selecting your writing sample(s). 

Applications will only be accepted between May 20 and June 19. Applications must be submitted through the online form.