Fall 2026 IT and Cybersecurity 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 is seeking an IT and Cybersecurity Intern to support our IT Manager across both day-to-day information technology operations and cybersecurity initiatives for staff across our New York and Washington, DC offices. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic student to launch a career in Information Technology.
 

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

Responsibilities:    

• Assist the IT and Security team with day-to-day technology and cybersecurity operations and monitoring.  

• Provide desktop, telephone, and remote help desk support to staff across the organization, troubleshooting technical issues and properly documenting all tickets and problem resolutions.  

• Provide audiovisual (AV) support for meetings and events, including setting up and troubleshooting video conferencing equipment in our conference rooms (primarily Zoom).  

• Support our core collaboration and productivity platforms—including Microsoft 365 (Office), Zoom, and Slack—by assisting with account setup, access, and everyday user questions.  

• Assist with basic networking tasks, such as troubleshooting connectivity issues and supporting wired and wireless network access in our offices.  

• Help set up, image, upgrade, repair, and replace computers, printers, and peripherals as needed.  

• Help manage security tools such as endpoint protection, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enforcement, and vulnerability scanners.  

• Participate in cybersecurity awareness training efforts, including drafting staff advisories and educational materials.  

• Help maintain accurate documentation of security policies, procedures, and incident response activities.  

• Assist with auditing user permissions and reviewing logs for anomalies.  

• Support projects related to improving the organization’s security posture, such as MFA rollouts, password hygiene campaigns, or endpoint hardening.   

Experience/Skills/Requirements:    

• Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, including phishing, malware, MFA, and access control.  

• Familiarity with Windows and macOS operating systems.  

• Familiarity with common collaboration and productivity tools such as Microsoft 365 (Office), Zoom, and Slack.  

• At least a beginner’s knowledge of hardware and software installation.  

• Familiarity with standard desktop concepts, including TCP/IP settings and basic network connectivity troubleshooting.  

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.  

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.  

• Interest in learning about cybersecurity tools such as endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and security monitoring.  

• Interest in IT fundamentals such as help desk support, audiovisual (AV) setup, and basic networking.  

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.  

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.  

• Prior help desk, IT support, or cybersecurity experience (internships, coursework, or personal projects) is a plus but not required.  

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 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. In your cover letter, please specify why you are interested in the role.
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 “IT and Cybersecurity 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.