Patient Advocacy & Government Affairs Intern

• Draft invitations, outreach emails, and other communication materials for policymakers, staff, and advocacy organizations and internal stakeholders.
• Develop talking points and key messages for internal leaders and speakers participating in the roundtable.
• Assist with scheduling and attending meetings with state legislators, staff, and advocates to discuss event objectives and logistics.
• Help secure and coordinate meeting space (either at Ardelyx or an external venue), including room setup needs and on-site logistics.
• Draft social media messaging and internal communications to promote the event and highlight Ardelyx's engagement.
• Manage event materials, including briefing documents, agendas, handouts, and any leave behind resources.
• Track RSVPs, maintain attendee lists, and support day of event execution (check in, logistics, troubleshooting).
• Assist with post event follow up, including thank you communications and basic summary notes or readouts.
• Meet with internal and external stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, patient organizations and community members to better understand the impact of CKD and IBS-C on quality of life, mental wellbeing, and daily management.
• Draft campaign plans for IBS-C awareness project in IBS-C and assist with logistics of project, including participant tracking, email blasts, platform set up and communications.
• Work with patient advocacy regional managers on projects as needed in both IBS-C and CKD.

Desired Outcomes:

• Successful planning and execution of a roundtable that brings together policymakers and advocates and strengthens Ardelyx's visibility.
• Clear, professional communication materials (invitations, talking points, social posts, and event collateral) that support Patient Advocacy & Government Affairs objectives.
• Successful planning and execution of a virtual GI awareness project with internal and external stakeholders that elevates the voice of patients and highlights the dedication of Ardelyx to patients and their families.
• Stronger relationships and a more robust community of advocates to support Ardelyx's long term government affairs strategy.

• Currently pursuing a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Health, Communications, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft professional outreach and talking points.
• Interest in patient advocacy, health policy, and/or government affairs.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and comfortable managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Desire to learn, open to constructive mentoring and feedback. Good sense of humor and desire to serve others.

• Prior experience with event planning, advocacy, or community engagement is a plus.
• Familiarity with state government or legislative processes is helpful but not required.
• Comfort interacting with external stakeholders (legislators, staff, advocates) in a professional setting.

What You Will Gain:

• Hands on experience in patient advocacy and government affairs within a biopharmaceutical context.
• Direct exposure to relationship building with policymakers and advocates, including observing and participating in meetings and events.
• Practical skills in event planning, stakeholder communications, and policy focused messaging that can be applied to future roles in advocacy, policy, or public affairs.