The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.     

The Development department is responsible for building and sustaining the philanthropic partnerships that enable the Brennan Center to operate effectively and nimbly. The Brennan Center entirely relies on private philanthropy; it receives no funding from NYU or the government.   

The Development team has raised an average of $60 million in operating revenues over the past five years. It is organized around three main portfolios: major individual donors and families; small and midlevel donors; and institutional foundations and corporations. The team also organizes an annual fundraising gala, the Brennan Legacy Awards Dinner. 

The Brennan Center is seeking interns to provide administrative and clerical support to Development staff.  
 

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City office.

Responsibilities: 
Development interns will assist with administrative duties that support the Center’s fundraising and stakeholder cultivation efforts, which may include: conducting prospect research; assisting with external correspondence; updating the fundraising database; assisting with event organization; preparing mailings to donors; and supporting the broader goals of the individual giving and institutions teams. Interns will have  opportunities to attend and observe cross-organizational and multi-team meetings and events as well.  

Interns are also expected to provide general administrative, research, and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence, and covering the reception desk. Spring semester interns will also play a significant role in supporting the Brennan Legacy Awards. 

The Development team is hiring a number of interns for the Spring 2027 semester, one for each of our portfolios: Major Donor Relations, Institutional Partnerships, and Direct Response. Applicants should indicate their preference in their cover letters. 
 
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is an independent self-starter; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Applicants must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Database experience is a plus. Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.  

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.  If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway.  

In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  
 

This internship is only open to undergraduate students in Spring 2027. 

Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week 
   
Pay: $18.40 per hour 
   
Duration: Spring Semester 2027 
   
Application Deadline: November 23, 2026  

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program. 

  
To Apply:
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter and (3) a list of contact details for three supervisor references.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the positions will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.  
 
If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Spring Development Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.  
 

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.