Fall 2023 Democracy Undergraduate Internship, NY

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 the fight against terrorism. 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.

We are seeking interns to provide research, administrative, and clerical support to staff in our New York office in our Democracy program.

Note: This internship will take place in person at our NY office. 

Responsibilities: All interns will assist with general research, administrative, and clerical work for the Brennan Center, including filing, answering phones, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence and covering the reception desk. There will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.

In addition to administrative duties, specific responsibilities can include: providing support for litigation; assisting in the research for, and rollout of, reports; and aiding the program’s advocacy efforts in Voting, Elections and Government, Judiciary, Federal Reform, Redistricting, and other related projects.

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 Windows XP, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is a must. Database experience is very helpful. Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities.

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture. 

This internship is only open to current undergraduate students.

Hours: Approximately 15-25 hours per week

Pay: $17.00 per hour.

Duration: September - December 2023

Application Deadline: September 1, 2023

To Apply: Please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/jQ3z0004mc/Fall-2023-Democracy-Undergraduate-Internship-NY and upload (preferably in pdf) your resume, cover letter and a list of contact details for three references. In your cover letter, please describe / explain your interest in the Democracy Program. No phone calls, please.

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with "Democracy NY Summer Internship" in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

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. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.