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.

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:

• 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.

Required

• 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 willingness to travel within New Mexico

Preferred

• 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)
• Interest in video creation

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
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours

Job Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Access to reliable transportation for local errands, meetings, and events; mileage for work-related travel will be reimbursed at the IRS-approved rate. A valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance are required only if using a personal vehicle for work.
• May occasionally include travel within New Mexico; travel expenses will be covered.
• Ability to work some evenings or weekends with advance notice.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the internship with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.