Government Affairs Fellow

Overview

Health Plan of San Mateo Fellowship Program 2026 Application Due by March 2, 2026

Make a Difference In Your Community. The Health Plan Of San Mateo (HPSM) is a local non‑profit health plan that offers health coverage to San Mateo County's underserved population. We currently serve more than 150,000 county residents through several programs, with most of our members qualifying for coverage through Medi‑Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. HPSM has more than 300 employees and partners closely with clinicians and community organizations throughout the region.

The fellowship program supports the recruitment, skill development, career growth, and retention of emerging managed care leaders by fostering a positive work environment with thoughtful and dedicated mentorship. The fellowship program is a paid opportunity to contribute meaningfully to HPSM’s organizational focus areas.

• Knowledge and experience in the operation of a non-profit community-based health plan.
• Knowledge and experience in the development of programs and services that benefit our diverse membership.
• Professional experience working on a specific project important to HPSM and a chance to present recommendations through a final paper and/or presentation to HPSM leadership.

• Start date:
  
  June 22, 2026 (flexible based on applicant schedule).
• Work Type:
  Remote with in-person opportunities at South San Francisco office.
• Applicants must have a California residence.

• Duration: 4 - 6 months
• Total
  
  Hours:
  
  24 - 29 hrs/week
• Up to 1000 hours
• Compensation:
  Between $24 - $26/hour, depending upon experience

Good fit for recent college graduates, graduate students, and career professionals with previous related experience who are interested in working on multiple projects under an overarching focus area.

These are the qualifications typically needed to succeed in this position. However, you do not need to meet every requirement to apply.

• Currently enrolled or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program in public health, public policy, business administration, social work, social sciences, communications, or related disciplines. Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Experience and/or skills that align with one of the projects listed below.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Working collaboratively with the HPSM sponsor, the fellow will be provided the opportunity to work on the following projects during the fellowship.

Project:
Government Affairs The Government Affairs Fellowship involves updating materials for federal, state, and local priorities, creating brief materials for meetings with Community Based Organizations, policy makers and elected officials, and developing rapid response messaging. The fellow will incorporate input from leadership, adapt content to evolving external environments, and support multiple initiatives within Government Affairs, including a media plan and training for HPSM staff.

The fellow will also create summaries and highlights of association calls and update the Resource Guide for Government Affairs fellows. Deliverables include maintaining and enhancing program materials, refreshing the annual Government Affairs plan, developing a Government Affairs training plan, and a fellowship presentation to HPSM leadership. HPSM will tailor this experience to meet MPH field study, practicum, or capstone requirements.

Applicants must have completed 1 year of MPH program studies.

HPSM's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. HPSM does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

HPSM also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that an applicant or employee has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any of those characteristics.

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