Health Policy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description:

Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health inequities and improving the lives of Black, African American, and marginalized communities in the Bay Area. For over 35 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming space where health, healing, and hope come together. We offer a holistic range of services, including free and low-cost health screenings, HIV prevention and care, mental health counseling, housing and economic support, fitness classes, and nutrition programs. Guided by a belief that wellness is more than the absence of illness, we embrace a whole-person approach that honors the cultural, social, and emotional needs of our community.

At Rafiki, we are more than a service provider. We are a trusted partner, advocate, and resource. Our work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice. Every day, our team stands with our community to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways to health and opportunity.

If you're looking to join a mission-driven organization where your work directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities, Rafiki Coalition is the place to make a meaningful impact

Job Description:

Summer Fellowship - Part-time (approximately 15 hrs / week 

POSITION SUMMARY
The Health Policy Fellow will support the African American Community Health Equity Council (AACHEC), Rafiki Coalition's Black-led health equity initiative focused on advancing health outcomes and reducing disparities impacting Black communities in San Francisco.

This fellowship provides graduate students with hands-on experience in community-centered policy development, stakeholder engagement, research, and facilitation. The fellow will help translate community priorities, lived experiences, and stakeholder input into policy recommendations and strategic priorities that contribute to a community-informed Black Health Equity Agenda for San Francisco.

The fellow will work closely with community leaders, residents, stakeholders, and Rafiki Coalition staff to support convenings, research activities, policy analysis, and written deliverables related to housing, chronic health conditions, and mental health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the planning, coordination, facilitation, and follow-up of AACHEC monthly convenings and related community meetings.
• Conduct policy and community-based research, including stakeholder interviews, environmental scans, literature reviews, and issue-area analysis.
• Assist with community engagement activities, including listening sessions, focus groups, surveys, and other methods of gathering community input.
• Synthesize findings from meetings, interviews, and community engagement activities into written summaries, briefing documents, and reports.
• Draft policy-oriented materials, recommendations, presentations, and other communications that advance AACHEC priorities.
• Support issue-area work focused on housing, chronic health, and mental health.
• Assist in coordinating activities between convenings and supporting ongoing leadership and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Maintain organized records of research, meeting outcomes, and project activities.
• Perform other fellowship-related duties as assigned

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Through this fellowship, the selected candidate will gain experience in:
• Community-centered health policy development
• Public policy research and analysis
• Community engagement and facilitation techniques
• Stakeholder outreach and relationship building
• Policy writing and development of recommendations
• Health equity initiatives and systems change efforts
• Local government and public health policy in San Francisco
• Black-led community advocacy and coalition building

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment in a master's or doctoral degree program.
• Academic background and/or applied experience in public policy, public health, urban affairs, community development, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research, analysis, and professional writing.
• Experience supporting meetings, facilitation, community engagement activities, or stakeholder processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual collaboration tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with Black communities, health equity initiatives, or community-based organizations.
• Familiarity with local government, public health systems, housing policy, or behavioral health policy.
• Experience conducting interviews, focus groups, surveys, or community-based participatory research.
• Knowledge of racial equity, health equity, and social determinants of health frameworks.
• Experience developing reports, policy briefs, presentations, or research summaries.

Additional Information:

Compensation: Anticipated at approximately $35.00 per hour for up to 15 hours per week, subject to final budget approval and fellowship agreement.

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Graduate Fellowship (Part-Time)

Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week

Location: Hybrid (San Francisco, CA)

Fellowship Duration: Summer 2026 (Flexible Start Date Beginning June 2026)

Application Instructions:

Along with resume, include cover letter explaining:

• Why you are interested in this Fellowship.
• Why you think you would be a good fit for Rafiki and this fellowship
• Where you are in your educational journey.
• Where you are attending school.

Compensation details: 33-40 Hourly Wage

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