External Affairs Intern (Fall 2026)

WHO WE ARE

us is a policy organization working to advance better and more politically resilient solutions on criminal justice and immigration. For too long, our harmful criminal justice and immigration systems have held us back and been weaponized in ways that undermine our nation’s promise and democratic ideals. We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented External Affairs Intern for a full-time internship supporting both our immigration and criminal justice work.

This intern will play a key role in assisting with our external affairs work, including earned media, communications and digital. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator with a passion for social justice and an interest in digital strategy and communications. Candidates should be available to work full-time Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm for at least 4 months.

Benefits

This position will be expected to work on-site in the Los Angeles or Washington DC office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and work remotely on Wednesdays and Fridays. We are looking for someone to start on or around mid August or early September, 2026. For priority consideration, please submit the following materials by August 1.

Resume Cover letter Submit a written exercise in response to the following: Find one article or video supporting immigrants, DACA, TPS, and/or policies that provide a pathway to citizenship and write separate posts uplifting the content for X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Find one article or video supporting criminal justice reform, reducing incarceration, and/or expanding opportunities for people with criminal convictions and write separate posts uplifting the content for X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Note: Please use people-first language in the assignment. See this guide for more information.

Please submit your writing sample in the same document as your cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES

us mentions in earned media, social media, as well as monitoring coverage of criminal justice and immigration in national media and online and assist with monthly analytics reports. Support weekly tracking of media coverage, assist with sending out press releases and statements, including copyediting and proofreading, as requested. us social media accounts Assist with monitoring and responding to incoming messages on social media.

Drafting social posts, and posting on social media platforms. Support the office's day-to-day operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Interest in immigration and criminal justice reform Organized and detail-oriented Experience in creating digital content for a variety of social media platforms preferred, but not required Basic knowledge of social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Threads, Bluesky, Youtube) Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment Knowledge in Canva, video editing, and/or other design platforms a bonus, but not required Background or interest in digital strategy, social justice, and/or communications preferred Equal Opportunity Employment/Diversity We are an organization committed to making the world a better place for all people. Diversity is a source of our strength, and allows us to make better decisions, be more impactful, and excel at our jobs day to day. We see our internal commitment to diversity as reflective of how we view the world and the changes we want to see become reality.