A Health Educator creates programs that are designed to teach people and motivate them to follow healthy behaviors. Works with individual patients and families in a health care settings, or develops campaigns and materials directed to larger groups such as college students. Organizes events like health screenings, trainings for peer educators or professionals, or incentive programs like weight loss challenges. May advise on public health policy.
The Public Education Intern supports the American Kidney Fund's mission to educate and empower individuals affected by kidney disease through the development of evidence-based, culturally inclusive health education and nutrition content. Reporting to the Public Education Manager, this role helps ensure that people living with kidney disease, their families, caregivers, and the general public have access to accurate, engaging, and accessible educational resources that support kidney health and well-being. The intern contributes to key education initiatives, including Kidney Kitchen®, patient education materials, website content, blogs, and social media outreach. Working alongside the Public Education team and collaborating with the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM), the public education intern supports content development, research, and outreach efforts that help expand the reach and impact of AKF's educational resources.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Nutrition Education Resource Development (60%) Supports the development and maintenance of evidence-based, culturally inclusive nutrition and health education resources for people living with kidney disease. Support the development, review, and updating of culturally inclusive, patient-centered educational materials, including downloadable guides, videos, and website content. Enhance Kidney Kitchen, AKF's website on kidney-friendly nutrition, by evaluating recipes for accuracy, cultural relevance, readability, and kidney-friendly appropriateness. Identify opportunities to improve existing resources and share recommendations for website and content enhancements. Ensure educational materials align with health literacy and accessibility best practices. Content Development & Digital Engagement (20%) Supports the creation and promotion of engaging digital content that increases awareness of kidney health and expands the reach of AKF's educational resources. Support the development of social media content to promote AKF educational resources, campaigns, and initiatives. Identify social media trends, influencers, and best practices to enhance audience engagement. Contribute evidence-based content for AKF's Kidney Today blog on kidney-friendly eating and nutrition-related topics. Research & Program Support (15%) Provides research to support Public Education initiatives to help ensure educational resources reflect current evidence, emerging trends, and community needs. This work helps inform content development and program improvement. Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to identify emerging trends, best practices, and gaps in renal nutrition education. Research topics to support content development, program growth, and educational initiatives. Assist with gathering and organizing information to support Public Education projects and priorities. Participate in regularly scheduled team meetings and contribute ideas and updates. Other Duties as Assigned (5%) Support departmental projects and special initiatives as needed.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Required Current graduate student or upper-level undergraduate student (junior or senior standing) pursuing a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Health Education, or related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams). Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment. Interest in health education, public health, nutrition, or chronic disease prevention. Preferred Knowledge of health literacy principles and patient-centered communication. General knowledge of health equity, social determinants of health, and culturally responsive health education. Coursework or experience in nutrition, dietetics, health communication, health promotion, or public health. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish
COMPETENCIES
Written Communication Attention to Detail Project Management and Organization Research and analytical skills Initiative and adaptability Strategic thinking and continuous improvement
