Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association’s Internship Program provides college students an opportunity for hands-on experience in various facets for individuals interested in gaining work experience with a non-profit, voluntary health organization. 

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for an Advocacy Intern supporting our work in South Dakota or Nebraska. For more than 40 years, the American Heart Association has worked to improve public health through policy change around the globe and domestically at all levels of government (federal, state, and local) across all branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial).

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through changing needs and life situations.  To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as training and support locally and through our National Center.

#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting our diversity and inclusion, our focus on work-life harmonization, and our Guiding Values.  Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued™ at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X (formally Twitter), and at heart.org.

Internship Overview:

• Time Commitment: 20 hours per week
• Internship Duration: 5/19/25 – 8/22/25
• Location: Intern must be based in South Dakota or Nebraska.
• Salary: $23.00 per hour

Internship Outcomes:

Individuals participating in the internship program are provided with an opportunity to:

• Acquire practical job skills to be successful in a non-profit and advocacy environment.
• Opportunity to explore a career path with a reputable voluntary health/service organization.
• Understand how to build trusted relationships with lawmakers at the local and state level.
• Supportive professional development through an open-access educational program.
• Complete an internship that enriches the academic and professional path, as well as personal life, by making a difference in the lives of others.

Under the direction of the State GRD of Field Advocacy, for SD, ND and NE, the Intern will support the State Advocacy & Engagement Committees (SAEC), along with other staff priorities, advocating for the Association’s state and local priorities by completing the following tasks:

• Assist with building capacity with the SAECs and various coalitions.
• Support the creation of project management tools/systems to manage multiple projects.
• Encourage, educate, and empower (3Es) advocacy volunteers.
• Attend key functions/events/meetings as directed and available.
• Aid with researching key issues and assessing environment for policy potentials.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Seniors or Graduate Students who have completed advanced undergraduate coursework in Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, Organizational Development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated skills in effective one-on-one and group communications and comfort with working with all levels of community leaders, volunteers, and staff.
• Ability to deal professionally in a corporate or non-profit environment and assume responsibility for guiding projects and programs from inception through completion.
• Effective oral, written and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple priorities involving multiple entities.
• Intermediate to excellent proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Canva.
• Required Equipment: Reliable WiFi connection and reliable transportation.
• Minimum availability of 20 hrs/wk, M-F between 8:30am-5pm.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship, now or in the future.  For any roles working remotely, the work must also be performed inside the United States, not in a foreign country.

The job application window is expected to close: April 4, 2025.

The American Heart Association invests in its people.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation and Performance – Attracting talented, committed interns means offering competitive compensation, ongoing professional development and training, and a diverse and inclusive environment in which to work and grow. And we do.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  HeartU is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  
  
• Healthcare Benefits – You will have the opportunity to participate in our Teladoc General Medical and Behavioral Health programs.  We also provide access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost as a confidential program designed to assist employees and family members with personal issues that affect their relationships at home or at work.

Apply Today:

So, are you ready to intern for the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the AHA will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities. We're committed to ensuring our workforce, workplace culture and mission have a shared impact across a diverse set of backgrounds.

This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities