Overview

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association’s California Tobacco Endgame Center for Organizing & Engagement is seeking a motivated, community-centered Summer Intern to support grassroots organizing and local tobacco policy efforts across California. This internship is ideal for students who are passionate about community power-building, and policy change.

The American Heart Association’s Internship Program provides college students an opportunity for hands-on experience in various facets for individuals interested in gaining work experience with a non-profit, voluntary health organization.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as training and support locally and through our National Center.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

Internship Overview:

• Time Commitment: 20 hours per week
• Internship Duration: 5/11/26-8/21/26
• Location: This is a remote position with opportunities for in-person meetings and community engagement. Must be located in the Southern California, Bay Area, or Sacramento, CA
• Salary: $23.00 per hour

Internship Outcomes:

Individuals participating in the internship program are provided with an opportunity to:

• Gain important and practical job skills to be successful in a non-profit environment.
• Opportunity to explore a career-path with a reputable voluntary health/service organization.
• Complete an internship that enriches your academic and professional resume as well as enriching your personal life by making a difference in the lives of others.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Attend and participate in the annual Capitol Information & Education Days event in Sacramento, May 11-12, 2026, including preparation and on-site engagement.

• Attend community coalition meetings and public forums with California Tobacco Prevention Program Funded projects working on local tobacco policy campaigns.
• Assist with and help facilitate Tobacco Endgame Center–sponsored trainings on topics such as community organizing, spokesperson development, and decision-maker engagement.
• Support the development of training materials, slide decks, and resources for local and statewide trainings and monthly Affinity Calls.
• Help monitor local tobacco policy campaigns across California to provide assistance, training, and resources to these efforts.

Qualifications

• Candidates who are seniors or graduate students pursuing a masters degree in political science, public policy, communications, public health, or related fields.

• Experience in grassroots community organizing, community engagement, public policy, and/or an interest in non-profit advocacy is required.

• Experience building or supporting relationships with community-based organizations, coalition building, tobacco prevention, decision-maker engagement, or community stakeholders is strongly preferred.

• Intermediate to excellent level of proficiency with software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage professionally in virtual and in-person settings.

Required Equipment: Reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Minimum availability of 20 hrs/wk, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am-5pm.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship, now or in the future. For any roles working remotely, the work must also be performed inside the United States, not in a foreign country.

Compensation & Benefits

The job application window is expected to close: March 13, 2026.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation and Performance – Attracting talented, committed interns means offering competitive compensation, ongoing professional development and training, and an environment in which to work and grow. And we do.
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
• Healthcare Benefits – You will have the opportunity to participate in our Teladoc General Medical and Behavioral Health programs. We also provide access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost as a confidential program designed to assist employees and family members with personal issues that affect their relationships at home or at work.

Apply Today:

So, are you ready to intern for the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities

#AHAWAYUP, #LI-DNP

Join our Talent Community!

Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.

Default: Location : Location US-CA-Sacramento

Posted Date 13 hours ago (2/17/2026 5:06 PM)

Requisition ID 2026-17057

Job Category Administrative Support

Position Type Part Time

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. We fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide critical tools and information to save and improve lives.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The size and scope of our organization, along with our more than 40 million volunteers and supporters, allows us to make a real impact on our shared focus of cardiovascular and overall health.