Public Policy and Research Intern

About the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative: 

Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) addresses the housing-based causes of lead poisoning, asthma, injury, and energy efficiency by creating homes that are healthy, safe, and resilient. By delivering a standard of excellence through merit-based, data-driven solutions, GHHI aims to eradicate the negative health impacts of unhealthy housing for children, seniors, and families to ensure everyone has the opportunity to live, learn, work, and play in homes that support their health and well-being.

Public Policy and Research Intern - Summary Description

The Public Policy and Research Intern will conduct research, analyze current public policies around green and healthy housing, and assist in writing a manuscript, policy memos as well as produce other work upon request of the President and CEO. The Public Policy and Research Intern will help advance key public policy goals including incorporating Medicaid into preventive housing interventions, assist in drafting policies on green and healthy housing standards, support the organization’s focus on the health and societal impacts of energy efficiency and weatherization, and support advocacy strategies to further GHHI’s mission.

Duties include but are not limited to:

1. Public Policy Development: Help develop policies, protocols, and approaches around integrating green and healthy homes and related services with healthcare delivery. Pathways may involve healthcare entities such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, state Medicaid programs, hospitals, health plans, accountable care organizations, and other entities. Develop policy strategies and recommendations around broadening low-income energy efficiency services into state and federal energy programs. Help write policy briefs and primers related to the health and societal impacts of energy efficiency, weatherization, and lead hazard prevention.  Review and monitor policy developments related to healthy housing, and affordable housing and identify opportunities for policy innovation. Collaborate with senior staff to prepare policy white papers aimed at reforming housing policy at the local and national level. 
2. Research and analysis: Aid in researching existing health / housing policies, best practices, and related data; Staying abreast of current Healthy Housing, Weatherization / Energy Efficiency, and Lead Abatement work & related activities locally and nationally; Identify studies and research showing the health impact of healthy homes and energy efficiency/weatherization activities; Identify studies that show the impact of healthy homes on academic performance and attainment. Aid in reviewing GHHI’s internal data and identifying opportunities to distribute and publish outcomes of GHHI’s work. Help to develop materials and proposals for funding policy and research activities.
3. Policy Advocacy and Education: Attend and represent GHHI at partner meetings, policy briefings, and stakeholder events. Assist in the preparation and implementation of webinars/presentations on policy topics and strategies. Support federal, state, and local opportunities for GHHI to provide comments on policies and proposed policies. Collaborate with local academic institutions to develop academic and professional development opportunities for students.
4. Other Duties: Ensure compliance with all reports and information necessary for public and private funders around policy and research work. General assistance with special projects as assigned by the President and CEO as warranted and applicable to advancing professional development. Actively report key findings and research to GHHI staff.

Qualifications: 

The successful applicant must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy, public health, government, environment, planning, research, or related fields
• Proven organizational skills with attention to detail
• A demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with coworkers and partners and achieve results
• An ability to work independently and lead efforts while serving as part of a national team
• Cultural competency and strong interpersonal skills for interacting with colleagues, clients and program partners of all demographic and professional levels
• A track record for open and effective internal and external communication; be able to effectively engage diverse audiences and stakeholders verbally and in writing
• Possess strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative spirit
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

The ideal Public Policy and Research Intern will possess:

• Good judgment and excellent analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Familiarity working with energy efficiency, affordable housing, weatherization, or related entities.
• The capacity to pay close attention to detail while juggling multiple tasks.
• Experience in healthy homes, housing policy, home renovation / repair, government, or environmental science a plus.
• Strong understanding and commitment to addressing health, environmental and economic inequities through solution-based approaches.

Additional Information. This is a part-time, unpaid position. GHHI is an equal opportunity employer. The position reports to the Director of Research. The position would primarily be working from home or GHHI’s headquarters in Baltimore. Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to GHHI’s Department of Human Resources at hr@ghhi.org.

Work Hours: Typically, between the hours 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM ET with some projects or meetings requiring planned extended hours, nights, or weekends. Position available for 15 to 29 hours per week for six-month internship.

Period of Internship: July 1, 2024 – December 30, 2025 (unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties).

Wage Rate: This is a part-time, unpaid intern position for a limited duration employment.