Job Openings

Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research

The Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research leads TFAH’s policy research and communications efforts with expertise and vision. An experienced communicator in public health policy and advocacy, this creative, nimble, and innovative leader excels at translating complex research for diverse audiences and platforms. The Director also spearheads the development of effective strategies and tools that drive meaningful communications activities designed to influence public health policy.

Core Responsibilities
Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Create an innovative policy research agenda that produces products to support the development of effective public health policies.

Partner with the President and CEO to develop a policy research agenda that advances TFAH’s mission.
Synthesize and translate public health issues into cohesive and clear products for policymakers, stakeholder organizations, the media, and the general public through reports, briefs, analyses, and other tools.
Serve as lead editor and collaborator with staff, partner organization and external consultants on the research, writing, clearance, production, and dissemination of TFAH reports and policy briefs.
Track emerging public health issues and bring an insightful, timely, and critical lens to developing new research-based products and related communications materials for dissemination.

Develop and execute an organization-wide communications strategy.

Lead an integrated communications program that elevates TFAH’s reputation as a credible, nonpartisan, and science-based voice in health policy. Anticipate how news and political events could present opportunities or challenges to TFAH.
Develop and adapt strategies for disseminating TFAH’s reports, briefs, op-eds/commentaries, events, and other products to maximize reach and impact.
Elevate TFAH’s thought leadership in the field by positioning the organization’s work on the leading edge of critical public health issues and its President and CEO and other senior leaders as issue experts.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media, stakeholders, coalitions, and subject matter experts to advance communications and policy goals.
Manage media relations, including proactively seeking media opportunities; triaging inquiries; shaping response strategies; and preparing the President and CEO and key staff for interviews. Ideal candidate should be well-versed in both the traditional and new landscape and stay current on evolving media relations trends.
Oversee digital communications and marketing, ensuring the website, social media (TFAH and President and CEO channels), and other platforms serve as trusted, accessible resources.
Represent TFAH at conferences, meetings, and public events, serving as spokesperson when needed.

Effectively lead the Communications and Policy Research Department and serve as an integral part of TFAH’s senior team.

Manage the Communications and Policy Research Department.
Oversee the direction and activities of external communications firm and other vendors.
Serve as a member of the TFAH senior team. Partner closely with other TFAH Department Directors to ensure that the Communications and Policy Research Department operates in synergy and alignment with other TFAH departments.
Work closely with TFAH’s Leadership Team to leverage cross-organizational efforts and strategies to promote the organization’s goals.
Nurture a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and shared accomplishment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience and leadership in managing strategic communications and policy research efforts that advance an organization’s mission.
Master’s degree in communications, public policy, public health, or the equivalent is preferred.
Demonstrated track record advancing evidence-based policy through research and analysis to improve public health; expert knowledge of public health systems, healthcare delivery, health financing systems, health equity, and/or understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health.
Strong research, policy, and analytic skills; ability to anticipate emerging trends and policy opportunities in the field and conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including environmental scans across relevant policy and academic sources; ability to produce “translational” summaries of public health issues for policymakers, stakeholder organizations, the media, and the general public.
Experience crafting and executing a results-driven communications strategy, expert media relations skills, and knowledge of best practices and evolving trends in digital and social media communications.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling and effective messaging; proven ability to frame complicated issues in ways that draw the attention of the media, policymakers, stakeholder organizations, and the general public to drive innovative and effective policy change; a balance of proactive and rapid response approaches that integrate traditional media, digital, and social media activities.
Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects with staff and consultants while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality; excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate and mitigate unexpected challenges.
Seasoned organizational leadership abilities with a strong team orientation and the interpersonal and managerial skills that foster a positive work culture; commitment to nurturing staff, building team capacity, and shared achievement.
Unwavering commitment to a non-partisan approach and the gravitas and maturity to engage with diverse audiences and perspectives; a proven ability to build strong professional relationships and connect diverse audiences to TFAH’s work.

Compensation
Salary range is $170,000-$185,000 annually. Individual salary is based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, education, and other qualifications.

Comprehensive benefits package includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (spouse and/or dependent coverage available at a subsidized rate), retirement plan, paid parental leave, fitness benefit, and more.

We have a hybrid work environment, providing staff with flexibility that supports productivity while meeting the needs of our diverse team. This position is based in Washington, DC, with the ability to telework up to three days per week.

To Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] with “Director of Strategic Communications and Policy Research” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

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Government Relations Manager Application

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), a leading public health policy, research, and advocacy organization, seeks a talented, experienced, and highly motivated Government Relations Manager. This position will work with the Director of Government Relations to develop and execute legislative, administrative, and regulatory activities primarily within TFAH’s obesity and chronic disease prevention portfolio.

Core Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

In collaboration with the Director, develop advocacy strategy to achieve policy goals within assigned portfolio.
Monitor and manage legislative and regulatory activities related to assigned portfolio.
Help to advance funding priorities related to assigned portfolio.
Attend and report on Congressional and Administration meetings, hearings, issue briefings and related activities in order to advance assigned portfolio.
Initiate and maintain relationships with members of Congress and their staff and executive branch officials to provide input into priorities and to build support for assigned portfolio in Congress and the Administration.
Conduct research and contribute to background materials, advocacy documents, testimony, draft legislation, regulatory comments, hearing questions, and external correspondence for policymakers and their staff.
Establish and maintain a network of contacts with other organizations and coalitions, building partnerships to advance policy goals within assigned portfolio.
Work with the Communications and Policy Research Team and Policy Development Team on relevant reports and products, help to craft content and provide information on key relevant government programs, policies and funding.
Secure speakers for Congressional briefings and webinars pertaining to assigned portfolio.
Assist with the development of TFAH newsletters.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

A minimum of 5 years of direct federal legislative and/or policy experience. Capitol Hill or federal advocacy experience preferred, and background in public health a plus.
Bachelor’s degree in public health, political science, public policy or related field.
Working knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process.
Knowledge of the use of technology and information systems to build broad-based support for policy issues.
Strong communication skills (interpersonal, written, and verbal).
Excellent organizational skills, the ability to think logically, and pay close attention to details.
Ability to understand research and present complex concepts to audiences with limited public health background.
Ability to partner with coalitions and other organizations in support of policy goals.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and within a team with confidence and reliability.
Commitment to a nonpartisan approach and the gravitas and maturity to engage with diverse audiences and perspectives.

Compensation

Salary range is $72,000-$85,000 annually. Individual salary is based on various factors unique to each candidate including skill set, experience, education and other qualifications.
Robust benefits package includes 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision coverage (spouse and/or dependent coverage available at a subsidized rate), retirement plan, paid parental leave, fitness benefit and more.

We have a hybrid work environment, providing staff with flexibility that supports productivity while meeting the needs of our diverse team. This position is based in Washington, DC, and has the ability to telework up to three days per week.

To Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected] with “Government Relations Manager” in the subject line.

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2026 Spring Internship Application (Hybrid within Washington, DC)

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is searching for motivated undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates to join our Spring 2026 internship program, running from January 2026 to May 2026.

Located in Washington, DC, TFAH is a non-profit, non-partisan public health policy, research, and advocacy organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community and makes the prevention of illness and injury a national priority. TFAH envisions a nation that values the health and well-being of all and where prevention and health equity are foundational to policymaking at all levels of society. TFAH’s key focus areas include public health preparedness, obesity, health equity, substance misuse and suicide, public health funding, population health, and healthy aging – all with an emphasis on advancing health equity and addressing the social and economic factors that affect a person’s and community’s health.

During the internship, the selected candidates will have the chance to gain hands-on experience on a variety of public health policy-related issues, enhance their professional skills, and receive mentorship and general professional development opportunities.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact through advocacy, strategic communications, and policy development, we would love to hear from you! This paid summer internship, which runs from January 2026 to May 2026, requires the intern to work 20 to 30 hours per week. TFAH is currently seeking an intern for each of the following opportunities:

Communications and Policy Research: TFAH’s Communications and Policy Research team engages in strategic communications and outreach activities, and disseminates relevant and timely research, analysis, and evidence of proven practices to inform decision makers and stakeholders to foster policy change. The Communications and Policy Research intern will help with data collection, internet research and literature reviews, researching and drafting communications/marketing documents, and assisting with the planning and promotion of webinars, report releases, and social media campaigns. The intern will also attend briefings, hearings, meetings and participate in other organizational efforts.
Policy Development: TFAH’s Policy Development team conducts research and assesses the public health landscape to inform advocacy and policy change, identify emerging issues and opportunities for systems change, and host convenings and other public-facing efforts. In addition to these activities, the Policy Development team focuses primarily on two areas: 1) strategies to expand public health practice in healthy aging and 2) analyzing state-level policies that can be adopted and implemented to promote health and reduce costs. The Policy Development intern will provide support to overall policy development goals and the age-friendly public health project by researching issues pertinent to healthy aging, social drivers of health, and other key topics; contributing to the writing of policy reports and other materials; and helping to plan and execute policy convenings and other meetings. The intern will also attend briefings, hearings, meetings and participate in other organizational efforts.

Note: The intern may provide support to other departments at TFAH as needed.

Requirements

The ideal candidate for this internship should be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a program in public health, public policy, political science, communications, or a related field. A strong interest in public health and policy, particularly regarding promoting health equity and addressing the social determinants of health within TFAH’s priority areas, is desired. Strong writing and organizational abilities are a must, as well as the ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.

This is a paid internship, offering $20.00 per hour for undergraduate students and $24.00 per hour for graduate students. We have a hybrid work environment. This position is based in Washington, DC and requires two days in the office.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete this application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions, please contact [email protected]

Trust for America’s Health is an equal opportunity employer. TFAH does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances