Public Policy Intern

Reports to: Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations
Position Status: Paid; $18 per hour
Position Timeline: Spring 2026 (January – May); Minimum 20 hours per week
Location: Washington, District of Columbia (Hybrid Position)

Description

The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience, and passion of our global Parkinson's community.  

The Public Policy Intern will help support our team and will work with the Washington, D.C. based policy team to support the Foundation’s public policy work. The intern will gain real world public policy experience by working with the Federal and State policy teams on a variety of public policy projects. Opportunities will include supporting advocacy campaigns, engaging with policymakers and partners, and conducting policy-related research and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on federal and state policies affecting Parkinson’s disease research, prevention, and care.

• Analyze legislation, regulations, judicial rulings, and emerging issues.

• Track and summarize legislative and regulatory developments.

• Draft reports, background briefs, policy updates, and other policy communications.

• Support planning and execution of advocacy campaigns.

• Attend public policy events, including hearings and briefings, creating summaries for the policy team.

• Perform other internship-related duties as assigned

Experience/Skills Required

• Current college undergraduate student or graduate student 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Organized and detail-oriented

• Prior public health or environmental health experience a plus

• Interested in the non-profit sector, specifically public health policy

• Access to computer, phone, and internet 

• Prior work or intern experience a plus