Fritzsche Health Policy Internship

Organization Overview: 
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. It provides supportive, preventive, protective, public health and intervention services that protect the public health and assist our customers in meeting their needs; and assists families in providing for the developmental, health and safety needs of their children and dependents.

Internship Overview: 
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Commissioner’s Office, sponsors a paid internship to advance health policy in memory of Kate Fritzsche, its first Director of Research and Evaluation. The Fritzsche Internship in Health Policy will offer a flexible, full-time work experience located in Augusta, Maine with an ability to telework three days per week with two days per week in the office. This opportunity is for individuals in a graduate program and shall consist of a three-month project (working 40 hours per week between May and August 2026) that will be based on work of mutual interest to the intern and Departmental leadership. While the specific focus of the project could span the work of the Department, it must directly or indirectly advance health system accessibility, affordability, and equity and deploy quantitative methods. Applicants should describe their areas of interest in their cover letters along with potential data they have used or that could be used in their quantitative analysis. The final project, along with how it has advanced the Internship’s mission, will be presented to State officials, other relevant policy makers, and stakeholders, as appropriate, at its conclusion. This is a paid opportunity offering $25 per hour to the selected candidate.

Kate Fritzsche was the Director of Research and Evaluation for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services from 2020 to 2022. In this role, which she helped to create, Kate immediately led development and review of projections and quantitative analysis to advance Maine’s nation-leading COVID-19 pandemic response. She contributed to shaping and implementing policies such as the Medicaid expansion, the State-based Marketplace called CoverME.gov, and other elements of the Made for Maine Health Coverage Act. She created a Data Coordinating Council, spearheaded efforts to collect data on race and ethnicity to tackle health disparities, and contributed her intellect, understanding of health services research, compassion, and values to critical work of health and human services in the State of Maine. Prior to her death on November 10, 2022, she was a mentor and role model to many and will continue to be so in spirit through the Fritzsche Internship in Health Policy.

Applicant Requirements:

• Enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program related to health policy, such as, but not limited to MPH, MSPH, MPP, MBA
• Interest in advancing health system accessibility, affordability, and equity 
• Ability to deploy quantitative methods   
• Demonstrable leadership abilities
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to prioritize, manage time, drive results, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Previous experience working in statistical software programs such as R, Stata, and SAS  

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by January 16, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Cover letters should include your connection to Maine and one to two examples of potential projects and or policies of interest that align with the Department’s work. Actual projects will be developed collaboratively. Applicants are encouraged, although not required, to submit an example work product that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and analysis; a summary page should be included if the example work product exceeds 10 pages. Please submit all application materials to:

Chris Monahan
Recruitment & Retention Specialist
Chris.monahan@maine.gov