Fall 2026 Digital Undergraduate Internship

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 Brennan Center for Justice is seeking a creative digital/new media intern to support our Digital Team. This is a hands-on role for someone who is passionate about democracy, civil rights, or social justice and wants to learn what it looks like to build impactful new media campaigns at a leading nonprofit. The digital intern will work directly on content creation and creator outreach. 
 

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

Responsibilities:   
All interns will assist with general research and administrative work for the Brennan Center, including email checklisting, social media posting, and writing social copy.  Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.   

This role supports the Brennan Center’s social media and creator engagement efforts across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Responsibilities include assisting with daily platform management, drafting captions, monitoring engagement, and identifying rapid-response opportunities tied to breaking news and policy developments. The position also supports creator outreach by researching potential partners, tracking engagement pipelines, preparing briefing materials, and assisting with Creator Summit logistics and influencer reporting. 

The role also contributes to short-form content creation by drafting scripts and concepts for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, assisting with video editing and graphics using tools like CapCut and Canva, and occasionally serving as on-camera talent for rapid-response videos. In addition, the position supports analytics and research efforts by compiling social media performance metrics and monitoring trends, creators, and peer organizations to help inform digital strategy and audience engagement.  

Qualifications:   
The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a passion for our issues. Experience with Capcut, Canva, and other short-form basic editing tools, alongside Windows, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Database and email marketing experience is very helpful. Applicant must be open to evolving responsibilities.  

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.   

If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 
 

This internship is only open to undergraduate students for Fall 2026. 

Hours: Approximately 10 – 20 hours per week 

Pay: $18.40 per hour   

Duration: September – December 2026 

Application Deadline: July 24, 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 >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) and a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about the Digital team and the Brennan Center. 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position 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 “Communications Digital Fall 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.