Job Brief
Data for Health Communication and Public Relations Summer Associate (Part-Time)
Vital Strategies is a global public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We currently work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.
We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.
About the Program:
Vital Strategies offers students the opportunity to contribute to real time projects that advance health equity and build strong public health systems. Throughout the summer, you will meet with organizational leadership, participate in professional development sessions and strengthen critical, technical and operational skills through engaging, meaningful work assignments.
The Data for Health Initiative is a global effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, providing technical and financial assistance to low- and middle-income countries worldwide to improve public health data. Vital Strategies serves as an implementing partner in the Initiative, with four main program arms: The Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Program, the Data Impact Program, the Cancer Registries Program and the Global Grants Program.
The Opportunity:
Working with the Data for Health Communications Manager, the Summer Associate will support the communication and PR goals of the Initiative, with a focus on the development of written, and in some cases graphic, content for social media and newsletters, championing the work of the Initiative to target audiences may arise. The role is not limited to these two areas and additional opportunities may arise.
Duration: June - August, 2026 (10-12 weeks); minimum commitment of 3 days per week (up to 20 hours per week).
Location: New York City/Tri-State Area – Hybrid work schedule (at least 2 days in office per week)
Compensation: We offer a rate of $25 per hour for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Responsibilities:
- Respond to team requests for social media, drafting a first pass and scheduling of content
- Plan a social media calendar to promote evergreen work of the Initiative, align with thematic priorities
- Support the development of the internal Vital Strategies newsletter
- Draft and support the compilation of the external Initiative newsletter
- Support in other areas of compiling and representing Initiative achievements, including but not limited to monthly reporting stories and case studies for an ongoing campaign
Education and Work Experience:
- Graduate student pursuing a degree in global public health, nonprofit management, international development, global public policy, international affairs, public policy, communications, government, or related field(s)
Skills and Knowledge:
- Demonstrated strong writing skills
- Ability to analyze data-driven information for a technical audience and convey it clearly to a broader audience
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to successfully manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in an international team environment and with solid interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills
- Experience with social media
- Knowledge of Canva a plus
