THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Communications Intern supports the development and implementation of the ACLU of New Mexico’s communications strategies. Interns will have the opportunity to learn the breadth of our work, deepen their understanding of the civil liberties issues facing New Mexicans, and practice core skills in researching priority issues, monitoring media, and creating content that supports the organization’s mission and goals. Working closely with staff, the intern will help translate legal and policy work into clear, accessible stories. This internship offers hands-on experience for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals interested in communications and advocacy.
WHO WE ARE:
Our mission is to protect and advance justice, liberty, and equity as guaranteed by the constitutions of New Mexico and the United States. We are committed to ending racism and other inequities. This includes how we work with each other and with our partners and allies in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit our website at www.aclu-nm.org
Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are core values of the ACLU and are central to our work. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization—one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible.
ACLU-NM has offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces and maintains a flexible hybrid work environment to best support the needs of our staff and the work. Employees are generally expected to work from the office an average of 4–12 hours per week.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Under the supervision of the communications director and deputy director, the communications intern will gain experience in strategic communications planning and content creation. The intern will learn to create messaging and tell the ACLU's story across various communications platforms, including text, social media, and video.
Key Areas of Learning & Support:
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Messaging & Content: Assist with drafting talking points and messaging on ACLU-NM priority issues. Help identify stories from community members that advance ACLU-NM's goals.
- Media Support: Support media strategies by researching media contacts, assisting with media outreach on ACLU-NM initiatives, and tracking coverage of key priorities in the media. Support the communications team with press events from planning to follow-up.
- Legislative Communications: Provide support during the New Mexico Legislative Session, including collecting media clips, pitching stories to media, updating legislative movements, and rapid-response legislative updates.
- Project Assistance: Provide support on communications campaigns and projects as assigned. Assist with collaborative work with external partners.
- Content Creation: Work with the communications team to create content for web, email, and social media platforms.
- Design & Graphics: Assist with designing flyers, graphics, and other visual materials to support campaigns and initiatives while maintaining brand voice and visual guidelines.
- Creative Collaboration: Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and venues for marketing and communications.
- Quality Control: Help review social media posts, text blasts, emails, and other materials for accuracy and readability.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently pursuing or completed a college degree
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
- Interest in social justice issues and commitment to ACLU's mission and principles
- Reliable, organized, and able to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Current driver's license and ability and willingness to travel within New Mexico
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Firm grasp of social media tools and platforms
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) or other graphic design software
- Experience working on campaigns or previous internship/job in communications, marketing, or design
- Knowledge or familiarity with the New Mexico legislative session
- Basic knowledge of graphic design principles
- Bilingual (Spanish - English)
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Passion for storytelling and social justice
- Emotionally mature with good judgment
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
- Flexibility and sense of humor
- Interest in video creation
- Willingness to work occasional irregular hours
No one person will have all the qualities enumerated above. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested and feel you could be successful in this role.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This is a part-time, non-exempt internship, averaging 20 hours per month. The position pays $20–$25 per hour, with the rate depending on whether the candidate is receiving academic credit. We are committed to fair and equitable compensation for all interns; this position is paid regardless of school credit. This internship is not eligible for employee benefits.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applications are treated confidentially. Please send a writing sample and a cover letter no longer than one page, and a resume by email to [email protected]. Please include “Communications Intern” in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Your letter should explain ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include in their letter information about how their background and experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.
No phone calls, please. Note: we will not accept resumes that do not include a cover letter.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis beginning on November 7, 2025.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of New Mexico reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
COVID:
The Communications Intern, like most ACLU-NM staff, will work partially in-office and partially from home.
For the safety of our staff, their families, and the communities that we work with, ACLU-NM requires that staff be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC.
ACLU of New Mexico is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.
“ACLU of New Mexico” refers collectively to two separate corporate entities, ACLU of New Mexico and ACLU of New Mexico Foundation. The two entities share the same mission, office space, and employees.
