Policy & Advocacy Student Intern

Policy & Advocacy Student Intern

LeadingAge Virginia | Glen Allen, VA

The Policy & Advocacy Student Intern supports LeadingAge Virginia’s government relations work on behalf of nonprofit aging services providers across the Commonwealth. The intern will gain hands-on experience tracking state and federal legislation, researching policy issues affecting older Virginians and the long-term services and supports system, and helping prepare materials that inform legislators, regulators, and member organizations. This role is ideal for a student interested in public policy, government, health care, law, gerontology, or social work.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and summarize state and federal legislation, regulations, and budget actions relevant to aging services (Medicaid, Medicare, housing, workforce, long-term care).
• Help maintain the association’s bill-tracking spreadsheets and legislative summaries during the Virginia General Assembly session and interim study periods.
• Draft talking points, fact sheets, member alerts, and committee testimony in coordination with the policy team.
• Conduct background research on issues such as workforce, Medicaid reimbursement, affordable senior housing, and quality of care.
• Support preparation for Advocacy Day, member town halls, and policy committee meetings, including logistics, materials, and follow-up.
• Attend select committee hearings, agency meetings, or stakeholder coalitions and prepare concise written debriefs.
• Assist with grassroots engagement—drafting calls to action, updating advocacy contact lists, and helping members connect with their elected officials.
• Other policy and association duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in political science, public policy, public administration, gerontology, social work, health policy, pre-law, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, and research skills, with the ability to translate dense policy material into clear summaries.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a small-team, mission-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred

• Coursework or prior internship experience related to legislative process, health policy, aging, or nonprofit advocacy.
• Familiarity with the Virginia General Assembly and the Legislative Information System (LIS).
• Interest in issues affecting older adults, caregivers, and the long-term care workforce.

What You’ll Take Away

• A working understanding of how state policy is made and how associations influence it.
• Direct exposure to the legislative process and to senior-level association staff and member leaders.
• A portfolio of writing samples (memos, fact sheets, summaries) you can show future employers or graduate programs.
• A professional network across Virginia’s aging services and nonprofit advocacy community.

Position Details

Location: In-person at the LeadingAge Virginia office (Glen Allen, VA)

Reports to: Vice President of Public Policy (or designee)

Hours: Flexible; scheduled in coordination with the supervisor and the student’s academic calendar

Compensation: Paid hourly stipend, commensurate with experience

Term: Semester or summer; renewable based on mutual interest and performance

About LeadingAge Virginia

LeadingAge Virginia is the Commonwealth’s leading association of mission-driven, nonprofit providers of aging services. Our members serve thousands of older Virginians across the continuum of care—including life plan communities, affordable senior housing, assisted living, nursing care, home- and community-based services, and adult day programs. Through advocacy, education, and member services, LeadingAge Virginia advances policies and practices that help older adults live well.

How to Apply

Interested students should send a resume, a brief cover letter or note of interest, and (if available) a writing or work sample to careers@leadingagevirginia.org. Please include the position title in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

LeadingAge Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive team that reflects the communities our members serve.