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 be hybrid, with a mixture of remote and in-person work. Interns should reside in Maryland, Washington, DC or northern Virginia.

Organizational Background

FRAC is the nation’s leading policy and advocacy organization dedicated to fighting hunger and injustice. 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 (e.g., food stamps, called the Food Supplement Program in Maryland, 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 officials 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 execute innovative and targeted advocacy campaigns.  This position will focus on the 2024 Maryland Legislative session.  The intern will also help share social media resources and investigate ways to uplift the voices of nutrition program clients to help communicate their stories. They 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; interest in food and nutrition and/or public health.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Digital/social media experience a plus.
• Conversant in Spanish a plus.
• Ability to travel around the state for meetings and events.

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 - 25 hours per week. The intended start date for this internship will be early to mid-January 2024.

Opening/Closing Dates

The position  will close when filled.

FRAC strongly encourages individuals who can contribute to the diversity of the organization and with a passion for social justice to apply.

FRAC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. FRAC is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based on age, sex, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, disability or ethnic or national origin.