Position: Fall 2026 Communications Intern

Supervisor: Beth Hallowell, PhD (Communications Director)  

Hourly rate: $20/hour 

Timeline and Commitment 

• Up to 24 hours per week for approximately 12 weeks, from mid-September through mid-December preferred, with the possibility of extension. 
• This is a hybrid position: the intern will be expected to attend regular in-person meetings with the supervisor and communications team, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday schedule preferred.

Job Summary

PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is seeking a masters-level student to work with its communications team. PolicyLab is a research center at CHOP dedicated to achieving optimal child health and well-being by informing program and policy changes through interdisciplinary research. The communications team works with researchers and the policy team to translate this research into digestible information for a broad array of audiences. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in both expanding their communications skills and learning more about the most pressing health issues facing children and families today. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Contributing to strategic communications plans for translating and disseminating research, including producing and/or contributing to written, visual and/or audio content.
• Contribute to media strategy, such as by drafting media lists, updating and maintaining reporter/beat lists and opportunity spotting. 
• Contribute to digital strategy, such as by assisting with social media, web and email content, trend-spotting, and assisting with analytics management and performance reporting across platforms. 
• Supporting virtual and in-person events. 
• Contributing to at least one blog post. 
• Providing general support for development and distribution of PolicyLab products. 
• Assisting with other Communications Team initiatives.  

Desired Skillset and Experience 

• Graduate students currently studying communications, health policy, public health or related fields with an interest in family and child health.
• Relevant professional or academic experience in health policy and/or health communications is required; basic understanding of health and/or public health policy and research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills. 
• Able to work in an organized fashion. 
• Good attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications desirable.
• Experience with video and/or audio editing desirable but not required.
• Experience with basic graphic design principles desirable but not required.

About PolicyLab 

PolicyLab is a research center within CHOP’s Research Institute that aims to achieve optimal child health and well-being by informing program and policy changes through interdisciplinary research.   

At PolicyLab, recruiting and retaining a diverse group of team members who bring fresh insights from all backgrounds to the research, administrative, communications and policy work that we do is fundamental to our mission. We are committed to creating an environment that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve. As such, we welcome innovative minds from individuals across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and marital status, victim of domestic or sexual violence status, covered veteran status or other protected classifications.  

PolicyLab aims to provide every team member with opportunities that allow their voices to be heard as this exemplifies our core belief in the power of diverse thinking to influence the policies, protocols and practices that define our workplace and improve the lives of children and families. We strive for a productive, fulfilling workplace and personal growth opportunities for all staff and believe an inclusive environment is central to this goal.  

How to Apply  

Please send your resume to Beth Hallowell at hallowellb@chop.edu. 

The School-Based Aggression & Bullying Prevention Team in the Center for Violence Prevention at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is seeking Student Research Assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year (Fall 2026-Spring 2027). This is a volunteer position for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in school-based intervention research and prevention science in applied research settings.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be undergraduate (junior or senior) OR graduate level students in psychology, public health, education, health sciences, or related fields in social/behavioral sciences
• Commit to volunteering approximately 2 days a week (10-16 hours) minimum
  
  • Schedule changes between fall and spring semesters will be accommodated
  • Commitment required for the full academic year (Fall 2026 - Spring 2027)

• Secure own transportation to/from participating schools and the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research (travel costs will be reimbursed per mile).

Job Summary

Student Research Assistants will support ongoing research projects that prevent and intervene with aggression and bullying among elementary-aged students. Participating schools are located in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This role offers opportunities to engage in school-based data collection, REDCap survey support, and professional development activities, while working closely with a collaborative team of faculty investigators, intervention coaches, and research coordinators and staff.

Student Research Assistant Responsibilities

• Partner with schools and represent the CHOP team and research studies in a professional, respectful manner

• Support recruitment and consent procedures with students, teachers, and other school staff

• Assist with in-school data collection in participating elementary schools

• Administer electronic surveys to students and support survey logistics

• Assist with REDCap survey development and management (e.g., survey set-up, testing)

• Help with data tracking (e.g., completion records), data entry, and quality checks

• Support professional development and training activities for school staff

• Prepare and organize intervention materials, assessment packets, and other research supplies

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team

Successful candidates will: 

• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5
• Have prior school-based and/or research experience (preferred)
• Be a highly reliable team player, with excellent communication and time management skills and a strong work ethic
• Pass a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, FBI fingerprinting, per CHOP’s requirements
• Have up to date immunization records & complete a 2-step PPD tuberculosis skin test

• Reliable transportation required (car or strong familiarity with public transportation to travel to schools)

Please Note: This is an unpaid/volunteer position. Supervisors will work with students to fulfill requirements for internship coursework, if needed.

To apply for this position: 

Email: Camila Polanco - polancoc@chop.edu

Include: 1) Current resume or CV 2) Cover Letter 3) Transcript, unofficial version is acceptable