Exciting Opportunities for MPH Students

/ Advocacy / By

Practicum Opportunities to Transform Public Health

At Breastfeeding Communities, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to create healthier, more equitable communities. As part of our mission to advance maternal and child health, we are excited to offer four Master of Public Health (MPH) practicum opportunities designed to empower students while driving meaningful change.

Each position offers hands-on experience, the chance to engage with public health leaders, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that span local and global initiatives. Whether you’re interested in policy, financial strategy, digital advocacy, or storytelling, these positions provide a platform to sharpen your skills while making a tangible difference.

Explore the opportunities below to find the role that matches your passion and expertise:

Each role supports critical aspects of our work, from improving Medicaid policies in North Carolina to ensuring breastfeeding-friendly practices are integrated into emergency response systems, and from crafting compelling grant proposals to building community engagement through digital storytelling.

These opportunities are unpaid but come with unique potential for professional growth, networking, and future employment through grant-funded roles. Learn more about each position by clicking the links above!

Position 1: Policy Coordinator for Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities

Practicum Title

Policy Coordinator for Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities

Practicum Topic Areas

  • Maternal Health
  • Health Policy and Ethics
  • Social Determinants of Health

Description

The Policy Coordinator will develop, implement, and evaluate breastfeeding-friendly policies across community organizations. This position focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes through advocacy and systemic change.

Possible Work Products

  • Policy Briefs: Develop comprehensive briefs to educate North Carolina policymakers about embedding infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) into FEMA protocols, state Medicaid programs, and other emergency response systems.
  • Grant Proposals: Create funding proposals to support advocacy efforts and program implementation aimed at improving Medicaid coverage and access for breastfeeding-related services.
  • Stakeholder Engagement Plans: Develop strategies for engaging policymakers, health systems, and organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, FEMA , etc. in integrating IYCF-E into emergency response plans.
  • Emergency Response Integration Toolkit: Share our toolkit with state and national emergency responders outlining best practices for IYCF-E, creating checklists and training materials for rapid deployment.
  • Policy Mapping and Recommendations: Analyze current Medicaid policies and propose actionable recommendations for incorporating improved breastfeeding and maternal health support within North Carolina’s system.
  • Advocacy Presentation Materials: Prepare slide decks and presentations tailored for policy briefings and stakeholder meetings at the state and national levels.
  • Evaluation Reports: Develop reports that assess the current state of IYCF-E policies and Medicaid breastfeeding support, highlighting gaps and opportunities for improvement.
  • Communication Materials: Create infographics, fact sheets, and other communication tools to raise awareness about the importance of IYCF-E and Medicaid policy improvements among policymakers and the public.

Compensation

This position is unpaid; however, the practicum offers a unique opportunity for students to build grant-writing experience that could lead to funding opportunities for the organization. Students will play an integral role in crafting proposals to secure funding for breastfeeding advocacy programs, Medicaid policy improvements, and emergency response initiatives.

By demonstrating success in this role, students may open pathways to create future paid positions within the organization, including opportunities to manage awarded grants or lead program implementation. This practicum is ideal for individuals eager to grow their skills while laying the groundwork for a potential longer-term role in public health advocacy.

Location

  • Hybrid: Remote work with occasional onsite visits for events and meetings.

Hours

200+ hours, with flexibility depending on program needs.

Position 2: Financial and Grant Writing Specialist

Practicum Title

Financial Strategist for Breastfeeding Advocacy

Practicum Topic Areas

  • Health Policy and Ethics
  • Maternal Health
  • Grant Writing and Financial Planning

Description

This practicum position offers an unparalleled opportunity to play a critical role in the financial sustainability and growth of Breastfeeding Communities, effectively becoming the backbone of the organization’s operations. The Financial and Grant Writing Specialist will act as a de facto Chief Financial Officer, managing the complex financial ecosystem that keeps our 24 active community programs thriving.

This role demands a deep understanding of every aspect of our operations, from local community programs to national advocacy initiatives. The position requires working closely with leadership and community coordinators to craft compelling grant proposals, generate detailed financial reports, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Through this role, you will interact with all 24 communities, gaining insights into their unique needs and challenges, and serving as a key liaison to articulate those needs in funding proposals and reports. The work you do will directly impact our ability to provide vital services, ensuring our programs are sustainable and impactful.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with leadership to craft and submit high-quality grant proposals tailored to specific community needs.
  • Develop and maintain financial tracking systems for awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and reporting deadlines.
  • Create financial and program impact reports that demonstrate the organization’s achievements and build trust with funders.
  • Liaise with all 24 communities to understand their operations, budgets, and funding needs, integrating their insights into grant proposals and financial strategies.
  • Lead budget forecasting, planning, and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
  • Design and implement tools for financial literacy training among community coordinators.

Possible Work Products

  • Grant proposals tailored to the unique needs of our programs and communities.
  • Detailed financial impact reports to satisfy funder requirements and advocate for additional funding.
  • Comprehensive budgets for community programs and advocacy initiatives.
  • Tools and training guides to enhance financial literacy within our communities.
  • Engagement plans for funder relationships and new donor outreach strategies.

Key Skills and Opportunities

  • Master the financial operations of a dynamic, multi-community nonprofit organization.
  • Build relationships with community leaders across North Carolina and beyond.
  • Develop a deep understanding of maternal and child health, breastfeeding advocacy, and emergency response initiatives.
  • Gain hands-on experience in high-stakes financial reporting and grant management.

Health Equity

  • Recognizes inequities in funding access for lactation advocacy programs.
  • Focuses on securing resources for underserved communities.

Compensation

This position is unpaid; however, the practicum offers a unique opportunity for students to build grant-writing experience that could lead to funding opportunities for the organization. Students will play an integral role in crafting proposals to secure funding for breastfeeding advocacy programs, Medicaid policy improvements, and emergency response initiatives.

By demonstrating success in this role, students may open pathways to create future paid positions within the organization, including opportunities to manage awarded grants or lead program implementation. This practicum is ideal for individuals eager to grow their skills while laying the groundwork for a potential longer-term role in public health advocacy.

Location

  • Hybrid: Remote work with some onsite meetings or events as needed.

Hours

200+ hours, with flexibility based on funding cycles.

Position 3: Social Media Coordinator

Practicum Title

Social Media Strategist for Breastfeeding Advocacy

Description

The Social Media Coordinator will develop and execute a strategic plan to amplify the mission and impact of Breastfeeding Communities across various digital platforms. This position plays a crucial role in engaging stakeholders, building community awareness, and driving support for initiatives such as Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities Global, Breastfeed Durham, Franklin County programs, and the Safe Feeding Team.

The Coordinator will craft impactful content, create campaigns, and analyze metrics to ensure the organization’s goals are met while maintaining a focus on equitable storytelling. The position provides an opportunity to directly influence public engagement and attract funding through digital advocacy.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a social media strategy to promote advocacy initiatives and drive engagement.
  • Create and curate engaging content (posts, graphics, videos) for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
  • Highlight funding needs and opportunities through targeted social campaigns.
  • Monitor and report on social media analytics to optimize performance and audience reach.
  • Collaborate with community leaders to tell their stories and showcase local impact.
  • Design special campaigns for National Breastfeeding Month and other key events.

Possible Work Products

  • Monthly social media content calendars aligned with organizational goals.
  • Digital campaigns to promote funding initiatives and attract donors.
  • Analytics reports to track engagement and measure campaign effectiveness.
  • Visual storytelling materials (e.g., videos, infographics) highlighting community successes.

Compensation

Unpaid, with the opportunity to gain skills in digital advocacy, campaign strategy, and storytelling for public health. The role offers the chance to build a portfolio and establish relationships with public health leaders.

Position 4: Newsletter Coordinator

Practicum Title

Public Health Newsletter Coordinator

Description

The Newsletter Coordinator will serve as the voice of Breastfeeding Communities, curating and disseminating newsletters that engage stakeholders, inform funders, and rally support for key programs. This position will ensure clear, compelling communication about the organization’s initiatives, including Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities Global, Breastfeed Durham, Franklin County projects, and the Safe Infant Feeding Team.

With a focus on funding, the Coordinator will craft donor-focused narratives, showcase impact stories, and align newsletters with ongoing advocacy and fundraising efforts. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to sustaining vital public health programs.

Responsibilities

  • Write, design, and distribute newsletters to donors, partners, and the public.
  • Develop a storytelling approach that connects program impact to donor support.
  • Collaborate with program leaders to gather updates and identify content opportunities.
  • Analyze newsletter performance metrics to improve engagement.
  • Support donor cultivation efforts by aligning newsletter themes with funding priorities.

Possible Work Products

  • Monthly newsletters featuring program highlights and funding calls-to-action.
  • Donor spotlights to recognize contributions and encourage ongoing support.
  • Analytics reports tracking open rates, click-through rates, and donor engagement.

Compensation

Unpaid, but with significant opportunities to develop expertise in public health communications, fundraising strategy, and stakeholder engagement. The role provides exposure to nonprofit leadership and funding dynamics.

Application Instructions

Ready to join our team and make an impact? Follow these steps to apply for one of our practicum opportunities:

  1. Prepare Your Application Materials
    Please submit the following documents:
    • Resume or CV highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
    • Cover Letter specifying which position you are applying for and why you are a strong candidate.
  2. Submit Your Application
    Email your application materials to: contact@breastfeedingcommunities.org with the subject line:
    Application for [Position Name]
  3. Application Deadline
    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Early submissions are encouraged!
  4. Interview Process
    Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with the team to discuss their interests, skills, and fit for the position.