Chief of Staff and Health Equity Internship

# Chief of Staff & Health Equity Internship ## Flight Academy & Voice Up Partnership ### POSITION OVERVIEW Flight Academy and Voice Up Publishing Incorporated seek a motivated and detail-oriented intern to serve in a dual Chief of Staff and Health Equity role. This high-impact position will directly support the founders of both organizations in implementing their shared vision of addressing the "Great Eight" barriers to youth success, with special emphasis on mental health, wellness, and health equity initiatives. The intern will help coordinate the comprehensive implementation plan for Flight Academy's 32-acre campus while developing and enhancing health-focused programming that addresses disparities within the community. ### RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Implementation & Chief of Staff Duties - Serve as a direct liaison between Flight Academy and Voice Up leadership - Attend and contribute to weekly steering committee meetings (Tuesdays, 12:15-1:00 PM) - Track project milestones and deliverables across the implementation plan phases - Prepare briefing materials for founders before key meetings and decisions - Identify opportunities for synergy between organizations' initiatives - Manage founders' calendars and prioritize incoming requests - Coordinate communication between key stakeholders Administrative & Small Business Support - Support implementation of payroll systems and human resource processes for both organizations - Assist with setting up and managing operational systems including scheduling, documentation, and workflow procedures - Follow up with staff on action items from meetings and ensure timely completion of tasks - Help establish and maintain filing systems for important documents (both digital and physical) - Support budget tracking and basic financial processes - Coordinate vendor relationships and manage service provider communications - Assist with implementation of new software tools and systems as needed - Prepare agenda and take minutes for key meetings Health Equity Initiatives - Research health disparities affecting youth in the Trotwood/Dayton area - Help develop programming addressing mental health barriers within the "Great Eight" framework - Coordinate with healthcare partners to enhance health services accessibility - Support the integration of wellness activities into Flight Academy's sports programs - Assist in creating assessment tools to measure health outcomes for participants - Research evidence-based practices for improving health equity in community settings - Contribute to grant proposals focused on health and wellness initiatives ### QUALIFICATIONS Required - Current enrollment in or recent graduate from a bachelor's or master's program in public health, healthcare administration, business, education, or related field - Understanding of health equity concepts and social determinants of health - Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail - Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities - Demonstrated interest in community development and youth wellness - Proficiency with project management tools and office productivity software - Experience with administrative functions and basic business operations Preferred - Background in mental health, behavioral health, or wellness programming - Experience with non-profit organizations or educational institutions - Understanding of faith-based community initiatives - Knowledge of health disparities affecting underserved communities - Experience with grant writing or donor communications - Knowledge of payroll systems, HR processes, or small business administration - Previous experience in an executive support role ### LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES The Chief of Staff & Health Equity Intern will gain invaluable experience in: - Strategic planning and implementation for community health initiatives - Leadership development alongside visionary founders - Cross-organizational collaboration and partnership building - Project management for multi-faceted community development efforts - Health equity program design and assessment - Non-profit operations and sustainability planning - Small business administration including payroll, HR, and operational systems - Executive support and administrative management in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment - Grant writing and resource development for health initiatives ### PROGRAM DETAILS - **Duration**: 3 month commitment, with possibility of extension - **Hours**: 15 hours per week, including Tuesday steering committee meetings - **Location**: Hybrid position with on-site presence at both Voice Up Publishing and Flight Academy locations - **Compensation**: Academic credit available; stipend possible based on experience and qualifications - **Start Date**: Flexible, with priority for candidates able to begin before the April 1, 2025 implementation start date ### APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates should submit: 1. Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience in both administrative and health equity work 2. Cover letter explaining connection to the organizations' missions and health equity focus 3. Writing sample demonstrating ability to articulate complex health concepts 4. Two references who can speak to organizational and health programming abilities ### ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS **Flight Academy**, founded by former NBA player Chris "Flight" Wright, is transforming a 32-acre campus in Trotwood, Ohio into a comprehensive sports, life, and leadership destination. With a vision of "using sports and education to stabilize communities," Flight Academy integrates athletic development with character building through its innovative "Pyramid of Purpose" framework while addressing the "Great Eight" barriers to youth success. **Voice Up Publishing Incorporated** connects people to their purpose through student-led initiatives, educational resources, and community engagement, with a special focus on mental and behavioral health. The organization recruits a global network of undergraduate and graduate students to deliver innovative programming that addresses key social determinants of health and wellness. Together, these organizations are creating a model for purpose-driven community transformation that addresses health disparities while opening pathways to educational achievement, athletic development, and life-changing opportunities. --- *Flight Academy and Voice Up Publishing Incorporated are committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments and are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience related to the communities we serve.* ## A GLOBAL COMMUNITY FOCUSED ON PURPOSE Spanning 392 cities across the United States, India, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Japan, and beyond, Voice Up has built a worldwide movement focused on connecting to purpose. ## THE CRISIS OF DISCONNECTION In a world where nearly 1 in 3 Americans report feeling lonely at least once a week, the epidemic of loneliness has become a national health crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that social isolation poses health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, increasing risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death. Young adults are particularly vulnerable, with studies showing up to 79% of those aged 18-24 experiencing significant loneliness. This isn't just an emotional issue it's a physical one that's silently damaging our health and communities.