At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in tobacco prevention activities and develop engaging content for social media.
- Company: Join the American Lung Association, dedicated to improving lung health and preventing disease.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in public health communications and advocacy.
- Other info: Unpaid internship with a minimum commitment of 32 hours per week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lung health while building your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be enrolled in Bridging the Gaps Community Health Internship Program.
The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT) intern in Pennsylvania. Working alongside members of the Mission Team, the intern will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy.
The intern will assist the American Lung Association PACT staff to execute tobacco prevention activities to gain experience in the field of partner recruitment, communications, and research. This is an unpaid internship position requiring a minimum time commitment of 32 hours per week and must be eligible for course credit or fulfill an internship graduation requirement. This position is for a limited period beginning 6/15/26 and must be completed by 7/31/26.
Projects
This is a great opportunity for the intern to enhance their skills in organisation, multi‑tasking and communications. The intern can expect to develop confidence and marketable skills by engaging in or assisting with many of the following activities:
- Gain a basic understanding of the American Lung Association
- Become knowledgeable of mission, development, and communications efforts.
- Gain technical training by utilising
- Participate in staff meetings and learning opportunities.
- Assist with general administrative support for communications and develop strategies to increase social media reach to youth and young adult population
- Develop engaging and interactive content for PACT social media
- Connect social media campaigns to ongoing PACT and ALA programs and advocacy priorities
- Support recruitment of champions and storytellers through social media and digital outreach
- Assist with brainstorming and providing creative ideas to execute communications efforts for events, programs and advocacy efforts for teams throughout the Eastern Division.
Advocacy and Education
- Utilise State of Tobacco Control report, existing data sources and PACT priorities to develop county specific fact sheets and infographics demonstrating the impact of tobacco in the region.
- Gather video testimonials and create a “sizzle reel” showcasing the benefits of tobacco prevention and control programming
- Assist in identifying and researching potential new PACT partnerships across Pennsylvania that align with our deliverables
- Support outreach and documentation to strengthen and track these partnerships
Learning Outcomes
- Learn more about Non‑Profit structure, including mission, development, and communications efforts.
- Learn about team building and collaborating with staff.
- How to utilise data and personal experiences to impact policy and practice change
- Evidence‑based health policy process and components
- Importance of accessible communications of complex public health topics
- Learn to cultivate relationships.
- Learn how to communicate in a professional office setting
Qualifications
- Must be enrolled in Bridging the Gaps Community Health Internship Program (BTGCHIP)
- Qualified candidates must be enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in developing a career in public health or non‑profit management.
- Qualified candidates should possess strong writing skills, attention to detail, and have a keen interest in the mission of the American Lung Association
- Ability to multitask, perform in a team environment, and a demonstrated willingness to learn
- Ability to work independently
- Computer Proficiency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
- Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs. (supplies)
Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke‑free workplace; all interns and volunteers must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping.
Required Documentation
Before unpaid internship begins, documentation from an accredited college or university will be required stating that this internship opportunity is eligible for course credit or fulfills an internship graduation requirement.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The American Lung Association is committed to employ, in its best judgment, the most suitable candidates for approved positions while engaging in recruitment and selection practices that are in compliance with all applicable employment laws. We are an equal opportunity employer: women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the American Lung Association to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to their race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or physical and/or mental disabilities, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The American Lung Association will take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment and otherwise treat all individuals in the foregoing categories without discrimination in all employment practices. This policy applies in all Human Resources actions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation and training.
Public Health Communications & Outreach Intern (PACT) employer: American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is an exceptional employer for those passionate about public health, offering a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment. Interns will gain invaluable experience in tobacco prevention and outreach while developing essential skills in communications and advocacy, all within a supportive team that values professional growth and community impact. Located in Pennsylvania, this internship not only provides hands-on learning but also fosters connections with like-minded individuals dedicated to improving lung health and preventing disease.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Health Communications & Outreach Intern (PACT)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at the American Lung Association or similar organisations. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your social media game on point! Since this role involves increasing social media reach, show off your skills by creating engaging content on your own profiles. This will demonstrate your creativity and passion for public health.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the American Lung Association's mission and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will impress them and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Health Communications & Outreach Intern (PACT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for public health and the mission of the American Lung Association shine through. We want to see why you care about tobacco prevention and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the internship requirements. We love seeing how your background fits into our team and the work we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at American Lung Association
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to understand the American Lung Association's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their tobacco prevention efforts and how they impact public health. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you connect your personal goals with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your writing skills and any relevant experience you have in communications or outreach. Prepare examples of past projects or coursework that demonstrate your ability to multitask and work in a team environment. Highlight any specific tools or software you’re proficient in, like Microsoft Office.
✨Engage with Social Media
Since the role involves developing engaging content for social media, think about creative ideas you could bring to the table. Research current trends in public health communications and be prepared to discuss how you would increase social media reach among youth and young adults.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, specific projects you might work on, or how the organisation measures the success of its outreach efforts. Asking questions shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the internship is the right fit for you.
