About the role#
The ACLU is looking for an undergraduate intern to join the Communications and Marketing department. You will contribute to our efforts to protect civil liberties and civil rights by helping create and expand message narratives. This role involves working on issues such as free speech, immigrants' rights, privacy, reproductive rights, and criminal justice reform. You will gain experience in media relations, social media, and strategic storytelling.
What you'll do#
- Write internal and external materials including press releases, blogs, social media posts, talking points, and media advisories.
- Research and build lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers.
- Craft and send pitches to news media regarding our campaigns and projects.
- Monitor news and media trends while tracking press clips.
- Conduct research to help inform multi-faceted communications plans.
What you'll need#
- Completion of at least the first year of an undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, political science, or a related field.
- At least one semester of internship or work experience in journalism, public relations, or communications.
- Experience drafting press releases, blogs, or other digital content.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills.
- Familiarity with Associated Press style and media relations software like Cision or Meltwater.
- A commitment to the mission of the ACLU and a demonstrated interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- You must be an avid news reader with an interest in online platforms.
Location & details#
- This is a part-time, paid internship at $20 per hour.
- The term lasts 12 weeks, starting on January 11 or January 25, 2027.
- The role is based in the U.S. and can be performed remotely or via a hybrid arrangement at our New York office.
- You must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
About ACLU
The ACLU is a non-profit organization focused on the defense of civil rights and liberties. Founded in 1920, the group operates out of New York and Washington. It works on issues including voting rights, criminal justice reform, and freedom of speech. The organization employs over 1,200 people.
How to get in at ACLU
Securing an internship at the ACLU requires timing and persistence. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting applications into a void. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with a human recruiter often provides more clarity than a standard application portal.
