The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a research and education organization based in Washington, D.C. It is a values-driven organization that its staff has built from the ground up. Its leaders are in the trenches with staff — committed to advancing science and moving mountains to conserve high-quality long lives.
The National Minority Quality Forum is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Patient Advocacy Communications Intern to join our team. This internship opportunity is perfect for those who are eager to gain practical communications and public affairs experience, and develop their skills in a professional setting.
Position Summary:
As a Patient Advocacy Communications Intern, you'll dive into the world of writing and content creation, supporting public affairs and patient advocacy communications in addition to working alongside our creative team to produce engaging content across various platforms. Whether it's crafting press releases, blog posts, social media updates, or even helping with website copy, you'll have the chance to contribute your voice and ideas to meaningful projects.
This internship is designed to provide you with hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills. While you’ll report directly to NMQF Internal Communications Manager for general internship guidance and support, your daily work will involve assisting and working closely with our Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs.
Responsibilities:
- Brand Communications Development: Assist in the development of high-level brand communications, particularly in the crafting and editing of press releases to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with brand objectives.
- Patient Advocacy Communications: Support patient advocacy communications initiatives, including but not limited to helping to draft and disseminate outreach materials for sign-on letters, attending Capitol Hill congressional educational briefings, and other key advocacy campaigns.
- Content Compilation and Reporting: Assist in compiling newsletters, website content, and communications activity reports.
- Website Content Updates: Update and maintain website content, including but not limited to upcoming events, organizational about pages, news updates, and other relevant sections to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the organization's brand and messaging.
- Quality Assurance and Editing: Proofread, fact-check, and edit written materials to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Social Media Engagement and Event Promotion: Assist in content planning, editorial calendar management, and event promotion on social media.
- Media Monitoring: Perform weekly media monitoring of various media outlets using our platform, curating clips and generating concise reports for company leadership, showcasing noteworthy trends, news, and industry conversations around our organization and related industries.
- Copywriting for Marketing and Advertising: Contribute to the development of marketing and advertising campaigns, including writing compelling copy for ads and promotional materials.
- Team Collaboration and Feedback: Participate in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and creative critiques to provide feedback and ideas.
- Adherence to Brand Guidelines and Deadlines: Follow brand guidelines and adhere to established writing standards while meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Qualifications:
- Learning Mindset: Enthusiasm for learning about public affairs communications and patient advocacy.
- Organization and Time Management: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Writing and Content Creation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, and style, and a passion for content creation.
- Research and Adaptability: Ability to gather trusted information from various sources and adapt writing styles and tones based on project requirements.
- Editing and Quality Assurance: Proficiency in proofreading and editing, with a commitment to polished, error-free work.
- Creative Thinking: Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to bring new ideas to the table.
- Collaboration and Professionalism: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a positive attitude in collaborative environments.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive/Docs/etc., and familiarity with social media platforms preferred.
Not required, but a plus:
- CMS Experience: Some experience with content management systems (CMS) and/or basic HTML (WordPress preferred)
- SEO: Basic understanding of SEO principles and the ability to optimize content for search engines. For example, do you understand how specific words change who gets certain recommendations on social media?
- Graphic Design: Ability to create graphics, infographics, and other visual assets (Canva experience preferred).
- Language Skills (Spanish preferred): Foreign language skills, particularly Spanish, and the ability to assist with translating materials.
Education and Experience:
- Currently enrolled in college Bachelor’s degree program, preferably in junior or senior year; or recent graduate of a college Bachelor’s degree program.
Benefits:
- Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience in public affairs communications and patient advocacy.
- Mentorship: Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
- Networking: Build connections within the communications, health policy, and biopharmaceutical sectors.
- Recommendation: Letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the internship, on request.
- Academic Credit: Potential for academic credit, if applicable.
- Flexible Scheduling: Flexible scheduling to accommodate school commitments.
Compensation:
- Pay: Paid internships at NMQF are $18.40/hr.
- Location: Position is based in Washington, D.C., with local hybrid candidates preferred, but is open to non-local fully remote candidates. Interns local to the Washington, D.C. area may occasionally be requested to assist or meet with the team in office or locally, including but not limited to attending Capitol Hill congressional educational briefings. Occasional company-paid travel is not required, but may also be requested.
- Duration: Minimum of 6 weeks preferred, beginning as early as June 2026.
- Hours: Minimum of 20 hours per week.
To Apply:
Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference through health communications. Apply now and let your voice be heard!
Please complete your application on Indeed, and submit the following in PDF format (recommended), Google Doc, or Microsoft Word format:
- Your resume, updated to reflect your current educational and professional history.
- A brief cover letter outlining your interest in the Patient Advocacy Communications Intern position and any relevant experiences or skills you possess.
- Writing sample(s) from your educational, personal, or work experience that demonstrate relevant experience, writing skills, and/or versatility (can be personal blog posts, school essays, etc.).
Questions may be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Patient Advocacy Comms Intern Summer 2026.”
Job Types: Internship, Temporary
Pay: $18.40 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 20.0 per week
Application Question(s):
- Are you located in the Washington DC Metropolitan area? (DC, and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia)
- Are you either a current junior/senior in a Bachelor's degree program, or a recent graduate of a Bachelor's degree program?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Content creation: 1 year (Preferred)
- Graphic design: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Preferred)
Work Location: Remote
