Advocacy Intern

Advocacy Intern

Position Available

Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS), an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), seeks a highly motivated and skilled individual to join Maryland Hunger Solutions as an Advocacy intern. Through advocacy, research, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance, public education and program monitoring, the intern will work with MDHS staff to protect and improve federal, state and local nutrition programs in the state of Maryland.  This internship is currently designed to work remotely, requiring the use of online and phone communications.

Organizational Background

FRAC works to improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To attain this mission, FRAC engages in research, policy analysis and advocacy, coalition-building, outreach, technical assistance and training, and an array of communications strategies. In partnership with hundreds of national, state and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations, schools, and labor organizations, FRAC addresses hunger and food insecurity, and poverty as their root cause.

Formed in 2007, Maryland Hunger Solutions is the leading Maryland non-profit working to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the State of Maryland by improving participation and benefits in public nutrition and related programs. MDHS’s focus is on using federal programs such as SNAP, the Supplemental Food Nutrition Assistance Program, and school breakfast and lunch, summer and afterschool nutrition programs, WIC and other programs) to reduce hunger and its adverse effects; to improve economic security, health and nutrition; and to strengthen community institutions.

Responsibilities

The intern will support MDHS’ work in Maryland to communicate with federal, state and local policymakers about the importance of nutrition programs and how they can be protected and improved.  The intern will help engage community partners, academic and nutrition leaders, faith-based organizations and local agencies to amplify our advocacy messages; and will coordinate with partner organizations to assist in innovative and targeted advocacy campaigns.  This position will focus on the 2023 Maryland Legislative session, the federal Farm Bill, and  other nutrition initiatives. The intern will also help share social media resources and investigate ways to utilize nutrition outreach program experiences with policymakers.  She/he will also have an opportunity to assist in outreach activities and may have an opportunity to assist in research projects.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years college education.
• Good oral and written communications skills. Ability to present and speak in public.
• Detail-oriented planning and implementation skills.
• Willingness to work varied hours.
• Good organizational skills.
• Self-starter; ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; team orientation.
• Evidence of commitment to social justice; experience with SNAP/food stamp program a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products with ability to use Excel for data collection.
• Conversant in Spanish, a plus.
• Ability to travel around the state for meetings and events. (Must have own transportation; mileage will be reimbursed.)

Benefits

This internship can either be a paid position, at the rate of $17.80/hour, or done to meet course/program requirements for course credit.

Start Date

The start and end dates of the internship are flexible; however, the ideal candidate will be available for a 10-week internship. Interns are expected to work at least 20 hours per week.

To Apply

Please click on the link to submit an email cover letter and resume, along with 2 references.