Intern - Government Affairs (spring 2026, Local Students Only)

Government Affairs Intern

We build on the strength of our research and development expertise and a distinctive, entrepreneurial culture that encourages diversity, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and, simply, fun. Since inception, our mission has been to find a cure for pulmonary arterial hypertension and other life-threatening diseases. Toward this goal we have successfully gained FDA approval for five medicines, we are always conducting new clinical trials, and we are working to create an unlimited supply of manufactured organs for transplantation.

We are the first publicly-traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation (PBC). Our public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through (a) the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies; and (b) technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs. At the same time, we seek to provide our shareholders with superior financial performance and our communities with earth-sensitive energy utilization.

Our company was founded by an entrepreneur whose daughter was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. She sought to find treatment options and a cure for her daughter and patients like her. We are founder-led, and relentless in our pursuit of "medicines for life". We continue to research and develop treatments for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and other orphan diseases.

The selected intern will need to report onsite at the Silver Spring, MD office for the entire duration of the program which runs from January/February through March/April 2026. United Therapeutics does not provide housing or transportation.

As a Government Affairs Intern, you will work closely in collaboration with the Investor Relations, Strategic Operations, Risk Management, and Corporate Real Estate departments at United Therapeutics Corporation (UT). In this role, you will support the Government Affairs department in its engagement with local, state, federal, and international governments, advancement of policy initiatives, and management of regulatory issues.

This internship provides hands-on exposure to the realities of government affairs work, including preparing briefing materials, attending meetings, and monitoring the evolving political and regulatory environment. You will have the opportunity to build strong written and verbal communication skills, develop professional relationship-building abilities, and gain a practical understanding of advocacy, policy development, and community outreach.

A key feature of this role is its seasonal structure, which mirrors the real-world rhythm of government affairs work:

• Fall: Strategic preparation for upcoming state legislative sessions, including policy agenda development, stakeholder mapping, and briefing document creation. Small Domestic Travel (15%)
• Spring: Policy-focused work conducted primarily in the office, concentrating on legislative tracking, research, and analysis. Small Domestic Travel (15%)
• Summer: Increased travel (50+% Travelling) and external engagement, which will include attending conferences, industry events, and meetings with state lobbyists and partners.

Responsibilities:

• Research:
  • Research upcoming legislation that could affect United Therapeutics, our patients or our business.
  • Maintain and expand UT's use of legislation tracking software.
  • Analyze legislation, then summarize the potential effects of that legislation on United Therapeutics, our patients, or our business.
  • Keep track of a changing political and regulatory environment.
  • Travel to UT locations across the country to engage with lobbyists and local partners.
• Advocacy:
  • Advocate for United Therapeutics in relationship-building activities with government entities.
  • Work to detail policy agendas to help propel United Therapeutics toward its advocacy goals.
  • Attend meetings to gain insight from clients, local government officials, and relevant stakeholders.
• Reporting:
  • Update UT's reporting obligations with local, state, and federal governments.
  • Help support policy development in compliance with emerging regulatory requirements.
  • Assist in the preparation of official documents (reports, memos, and other communication for both external and internal distribution).

For this role you will need:

• Must be available to work a minimum of 10+ hours per week onsite in the Silver Spring, MD office
• Junior or senior currently enrolled in an accredited college program.
• Interest in government affairs, policy, advocacy, and United Therapeutics' mission
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Good communication abilities (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Majoring in Natural Sciences, Economics, History, Pre-Law or Political Science preferred. Other majors welcome to apply.
• Prior experience working in government affairs, campaigns, or a related field (preferred but not required)

The salary for this position ranges from $22.50 to $22.50 per hour. The salary range is the range United Therapeutics Corporation in good faith believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. The Company may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

At United Therapeutics, you'll realize quickly that it is not an ordinary place to work! When you join our company, you will learn, grow, contribute, have fun, and be challenged... all while making a difference in the lives of our patients.

Eligible employees may participate in the Company's comprehensive benefits suite of programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, savings plans (401k and ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, disability benefits, and more.

United Therapeutics Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.