Policy Intern

OverviewTrailhead Institute is a public health institute whose mission is to advance innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. With this in mind, the Policy Intern will work with the Trailhead team to further the organization's mission, to build a regenerative organization that actively works to reverse historical inequities within public health and within our organization, and to operate in accordance with our organizational drivers of collaboration, capacity, and justice. This person will ensure that a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and equity is incorporated throughout all components of their work.

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger (the "Blueprint") is a statewide organization working to ensure that everyone in Colorado can access the food they choose, where they want it, and when they need it. The Policy Intern will support the Blueprint's Policy Manager with two Advocacy Leadership Academy (ALA)-related projects: 1) development of an evergreen "Advocacy 101" training resource, and 2) creation of a branded, "New Advocate Toolkit" -- resources that will provide community leaders and recent ALA graduates with the materials and tools necessary to practice their new skillset in their communities.

The toolkit would include but is not limited to: Worksheets for planning meetings with elected officials and planning issue-based campaignsTemplates for letters, testimony, media engagement, and advocacy plansStep-by-step guidance on key advocacy strategies (e. g. storytelling, tracking legislation, and campaign planning)Best practices for individuals and coalitions to engage in policy advocacyThe toolkit will expand upon the Blueprint's Anti-Hunger Community Toolkit through the inclusion of downloadable templates, worksheets, and guidance on key advocacy strategies for new advocates.

The New Advocate Toolkit will also have an anti-racist, equity-focused perspective and potentially include additional resources centered around specific policy reform objectives (i. e. , progressive tax reform advocacy). This toolkit would be an extension of ALA, aligning our vision of building up grassroots leadership, especially among historically marginalized communities who are underrepresented in the policy arena. This is a primarily remote position and requires candidates to be based in Colorado due to the potential for local travel and occasional in-office support. All business is conducted in Mountain Time. The Policy Intern will be supervised by the Blueprint's Policy Manager.

The Policy Intern stipend is $20-25/hour (dependent on experience) for 10 hours per week for 12 weeks; funding for this position is term-limited through December 2025. Once the funding ends, the position may be discontinued, and there is no guarantee for future paid internships with Trailhead Institute.

ResponsibilitiesTranslating existing ALA training curricula and other foundational advocacy training resources into a Blueprint Advocacy 101 evergreen resourceConducting preliminary research on existing toolkits, assessing existing tools compiled by the Policy Manager for ALA and other resources developed by the Blueprint's Policy and Community Justice (PCJ) teamConducting two (2) group listening sessions with community leaders in the Blueprint network, one with non-ALA graduates and one with ALA graduates to gather feedback on helpful tools and resourcesDrafting and editing the toolkit content based on feedback from community leaders, the Policy Manager, and other key support staff (PCJ Team)Assisting in the design and formatting of the toolkit content with the support of key Blueprint staff and contractorsSkillsCurrently enrolled in a bachelor's to master's level degree programAn interest in policy advocacy and/or grassroots organizingExperience and/or familiarity with community engagement, facilitation, and/or training methods and techniques is a plusExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalProficiency in Microsoft Office and Zoom, as well as the aptitude to learn new computer applications as neededAbility to adapt communication style to meet the needs of a variety of internal and external stakeholdersKeen analytic, organization and problem solving/decision-making skillsDemonstrated work history of coordinating and completing tasks independently and on timeExcellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, able to resolve issues directly as they arise through the practice of ethical communicationBilingual Spanish preferredKey CharacteristicsA successful track record in setting and managing multiple prioritiesAn entrepreneurial spirit, nimble and responsive in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentOpen to new ideas and willing to step outside of one's comfort zone, fail, learn from mistakes, and maintain a continuous improvement mentalityA team playerResponds well and flexibly to change and stressful situationsCommitment to the mission, vision, values, drivers and strategic direction of Trailhead InstituteDesire to promote this work in a professional and ethical mannerLicense and Proof of Insurance RequirementIf you will be using a personal vehicle to drive yourself for Trailhead Institute business, you must provide a valid driver license and proof of insurance.

While access to reliable transportation is a must, having a driver license and/or personal vehicle is not a requirement for employment with Trailhead Institute. We will be holding three optional office hours during the two-week application period. This offers you an opportunity to schedule a 15-minute call and ask any questions regarding the job announcement and/or about Trailhead. Participation is optional in this non-interview portion of the process and won't impact your consideration for the role. If interested, please reach out to Blueprint's Policy Manager, Dayana Leyva at dleyva@endhungerco. org. To ApplyPlease apply online.

You may be asked for additional materials once we receive your application. Application review will begin the week of July 28, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but full consideration will be given to applications completed and received before August 11, 2025. Only electronic submissions are accepted. Trailhead Institute is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on position-related qualifications and ability to perform that role, without regard to age, sex, race, color, veteran status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or national origin.

Trailhead Institute welcomes applicants from all communities, educational backgrounds, and life experiences. Salary: $20 - $25 per hour