Data for Health Communication and Public Relations Summer Associate (Part-Time)

Job Description

Job Title: Data for Health Communication and Public Relations Summer Associate (Part-Time)

Organization: Vital Strategies

Job Brief:

Vital Strategies is a global public health organization dedicated to strengthening public health systems and addressing leading causes of illness, injury, and death worldwide. Operating in over 80 countries, the organization supports data-driven decision-making in government, advances evidence-based public health policies, and executes strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies focuses on areas with the greatest potential to improve and save lives, including noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health, primarily in low- and middle-income countries and cities across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. Learn more at www.vitalstrategies.org.

Vital Strategies values diversity and believes that programs are strengthened by individuals with diverse life experiences and understanding of social and cultural issues. The organization is committed to promoting equal employment opportunities (EEO) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, without discrimination 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.

About the Program:

The Summer Associate program at Vital Strategies offers students a unique opportunity to contribute to real-time projects that advance health equity and build robust public health systems. Throughout the summer, associates will engage with organizational leadership, participate in professional development sessions, and enhance critical, technical, and operational skills through meaningful work assignments.

This role specifically supports the Data for Health Initiative, a global effort backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This initiative provides technical and financial assistance to low- and middle-income countries worldwide to improve public health data. Vital Strategies serves as a key implementing partner, overseeing 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:

The Summer Associate will collaborate with the Data for Health Communications Manager to support the Initiative’s communication and public relations goals. A primary focus will be on developing written, and occasionally graphic, content for social media and newsletters. The associate will play a key role in championing the Initiative’s work to target audiences. While these are core areas, additional opportunities may arise within the scope of communications and PR support.

Duration: June – August, 2026 (10-12 weeks)

Commitment: Minimum 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: $25 per hour for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Respond to team requests for social media content, including drafting initial versions and scheduling posts.
• Plan and develop a social media calendar to promote the Initiative’s evergreen work and align with thematic priorities.
• Support the development and compilation of the internal Vital Strategies newsletter.
• Draft and support the compilation of the external Data for Health Initiative newsletter.
• Assist in other areas of compiling and representing Initiative achievements, which may include monthly reporting stories and case studies for ongoing campaigns.

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, non-technical audience.
• Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to successfully manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international team environment, supported by solid interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with social media platforms and content creation.
• Knowledge of Canva is a plus.