Summer 2026 Undergraduate Intern, Media and Communications Strategy- Communications Department

ACLU - Internships • Washington, DC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Media and Communications Strategy Intern in the Communications and Marketing Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York City or Washington D.C. This internship can be remote or hybrid.
Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated undergraduate students or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
The Team:
The ACLU communications department creates, maintains, and expands message narratives to engage our supporters and other target audiences, to help protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights, and also illustrate the value and impact of the ACLU’s transformational work. Through our messaging, engagement with newsmakers, our written content, creative branding, and visual identity, we encourage support for the ACLU and help to build a more perfect union.
What You’ll Do:
The media and communications strategy intern will work on a wide array of civil liberties and civil rights issues, including, but not limited to advocacy and litigation around free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, privacy and technology, reproductive rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. The intern will contribute to creating and expanding message narratives and will use strategic communications to help bring attention to ACLU cases and advocate for policies we care about. Interns will get experience on social media, media relations, storytelling, and more.

Requirements

• Completion of at least the first year of an undergraduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field
• At least one semester (or equivalent) internship or work experience in the following areas: journalism, public relations, communications
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Avid news reader; familiarity with news media and online platforms, as well as the latest trends in media
• Familiarity with best practices in communications and public relations
• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflict

Nice To Haves

• Experience drafting press releases, blogs, social media posts, or other digital content strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Associated Press style or media relations software such as Cision or Meltwater is a plus

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the day-to-day functions of the communications department, including writing internal and external-facing materials such as press releases, talking points, social media posts, blogs, digital content, and media advisories
• Build media expertise by researching and building lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers from a wide array of national and local publications
• Help increase coverage of ACLU issues and messages by crafting and sending pitches to news media on ACLU campaigns and projects
• Monitor news and media trends, including tracking press clips
• Engage in research projects that can help inform multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, audiences, messaging, and media relations strategies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern