2027 Summer Internship – Public Policy & Government Relations

Location: Washington, DC 20001

When you’re the best, we’re the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

Vizient Intern Program Overview

This program is designed to foster a beneficial relationship and provide growth opportunities for Vizient, our employees, and collegiate students. Since 2000, our summer intern program has provided college undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students with practical experience that exposes them to multiple aspects of a career field and the healthcare industry. This full-time, paid intern program offers an opportunity to accelerate academic learning, apply classroom knowledge, and introduce students to a professional setting. Interns are assigned a supervisor to mentor/develop their business skills, as well as monitor their work experiences. Interns are integral members of the company’s team, setting goals, working toward deadlines, and actively participating in community service projects.

The program requires the intern to commit to 10 weeks of participation in all formal training, mentoring, on-the-job learning, and opportunities to interact with senior leaders.

Program starts June 1, 2027, and ends August 6, 2027

Pay rate: $25 per hour.

About the team and role

Vizient's Office of Public Policy and Government Relations in Washington, DC serves as an advocate and liaison on policy and legislative issues that affect the diverse healthcare organizations we serve. With a strategic, balanced and forward-thinking approach, our team of bipartisan professionals regularly delves into emerging legislative and regulatory issues, conducts research on healthcare policies and coordinates appropriate responses. Vizient is seeking a dedicated and passionate intern to support key government relations and public policy projects in the summer of 2027.

What You’ll Do

Serve as an indispensable partner to the Public Policy & Government Relations team.

Assist staff in developing and executing legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies; provide research on key policy priorities.

Represent Vizient at Congressional hearings and briefings by partner organizations, think tanks, federal agencies, and academic institutions; attend meetings with government officials.

Support the development of advocacy communications collateral and other policy-related communications, including grassroots engagement.

Support the development of educational materials and assist in drafting regulatory summaries and comment letters.

Participate in health sector advocacy group meetings to learn about shared policy priorities.

Other responsibilities may include administrative office support; updating public policy web pages; preparing policy memos and PowerPoint slides; and supporting political engagement and reporting.

What You’ll Learn

We provide the tools and training necessary to succeed, as well as provide intentional development opportunities such as:

Exposure to senior leadership to discuss advocacy strategy, research projects and milestones.

Networking opportunities with cross-functional teams to learn about various areas within the organization.

Networking opportunities and exposure to external stakeholders, including government officials and partner organizations in the healthcare sector.

Value added skills development in advocacy strategy, government relations, policy research and analysis, writing, communications and project management.

Personalized strengths coaching.

Participation in company meetings and key culture events.

Intern-led community impact project and team building activities outside of work.

Qualifications

Enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university and in favorable academic standing.

Must have completed sophomore year as an undergraduate prior to the start of the internship or recently completed your degree.

Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in politics and/or policy, including legislative and regulatory process at the federal, state, or local level (specific interest in health policy is preferred).

Demonstrated ability to conduct public policy, legislative, regulatory, or healthcare research and analysis.

Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise policy memos, summaries, briefing materials, or other professional communications.

Ability to analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex information and apply problem-solving skills.

Strong interpersonal skills for interacting across the team and with internal Vizient business partners and external stakeholders.

Strong project coordination and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Previous experience with local, state or federal government entities, advocacy or policy organizations and/or healthcare organizations is preferred but not required.

This position will be based in Vizient’s Washington, DC office, with an in-office work schedule Monday-Thursday; Fridays are work from home days.

Equal Opportunity Employer:   Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.