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The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy research interns who are passionate about democracy!
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited graduate and law schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through research and public education, outreach, litigation and policy advocacy.
Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on producing quality policy research that advances our policy priorities.
Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Driven. Ability to help our policy team conduct groundbreaking policy research to support advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of communities – particularly Black communities and other communities of color – in the Deep South.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision, and values.
Work alongside our Policy Research Team to research, write, and analyze data to support bold advocacy strategies in alignment with our voting rights initiatives.
Assist in drafting research memos, fact sheets, and other writings.
Collaborate with other members of the Policy team to support ongoing policy research needs.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and department’s goals.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
The Center pays $17.95 per hour for a minimum of 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. There may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.
This role has the following work designations:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
Interns are expected to begin on August 3, 2026 and will end on December 4, 2026.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, unofficial transcript and resume by 5:00 pm CST on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
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Apply to Southern Poverty Law CenterShare this job
The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy interns who are passionate about civil rights!
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited graduate and law schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through research and public education, outreach, litigation and policy advocacy.
Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on producing quality policy advocacy strategies that advance our policy priorities.
Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Driven. Ability to help our federal policy team conduct policy analysis and to support advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of communities – particularly Black communities and other communities of color – in the Deep South.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision and values.
Work alongside our Federal Policy Team to monitor, develop, and implement policy advocacy campaigns and strategies in alignment with our organizational impact areas: Economic Justice; Decriminalization and Decarceration; Democracy; and Human Rights, Inclusion, and Anti-Extremism.
Assist our Federal Policy Team to research and analyze policy issues in support of advancing policy change at the federal level.
Draft a variety of policy related materials, including but not limited to research memos, fact sheets, letters, testimony, comments, and other writings.
Participate in internal team meetings, trainings and other professional development/networking opportunities and external meetings with coalition partners and policymakers at the federal level.
Collaborate with other members of the Policy department to support ongoing policy analysis and advocacy needs.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and department’s goals.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
The Center pays $17.95 per hour for a minimum of 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. There may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.
This role has the following work designation:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
Interns are expected to begin on August 3, 2026 and will end on December 4, 2026.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, unofficial transcript and resume by 5:00 pm CST on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Southern Poverty Law CenterShare this job
The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy interns who are passionate about civil rights!
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate, graduate and law schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through outreach, public education, litigation and policy advocacy.
Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on advancing our policy priorities.
Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Driven. Ability to help our policy team monitor, develop and implement community-focused advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision and values.
Work alongside our Louisiana policy team members to implement our advocacy agenda during the 2026 Legislative Session, including issues related to our organizational impact areas: Economic Justice; Decriminalization and Decarceration; Democracy; and Human Rights, Inclusion, and Anti-Extremism.
Participate in professional development and networking opportunities throughout the internship term.
Assist our Louisiana policy team monitor, develop and implement community-focused strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
The Center pays $17.95 per hour for a minimum of 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. There may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.
This role the following work designations options:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
This role requires regular weekend work for community events and travel throughout the Greater New Orleans area.
Interns are expected to begin on August 3, 2026 and will end on December 4, 2026.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by 5:00pm CST on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Southern Poverty Law CenterShare this job
The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy interns who are passionate about civil rights!
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate, graduate and law schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through outreach, public education, litigation and policy advocacy.
Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on advancing our policy priorities.
Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Driven. Ability to help our policy team monitor, develop and implement community-focused advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision and values.
Work alongside our Mississippi policy team members to implement our advocacy agenda during the 2026 Legislative Session, including issues related to our organizational impact areas: Economic Justice; Decriminalization and Decarceration; Democracy; and Human Rights, Inclusion, and Anti-Extremism.
Participate in professional development and networking opportunities throughout the internship term.
Assist our Mississippi policy team monitor, develop and implement community-focused strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
The Center pays $17.95 per hour for a minimum of 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. There may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.
This role the following work designations options:
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.
This role requires possible evening and weekend work for events (townhall, community events, etc.).
Interns are expected to begin on August 3, 2026 and will end on December 4, 2026.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by 5:00pm CST on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Southern Poverty Law CenterShare this job
The Civil Rights and Racial Justice Senior Policy or Policy Counsel will lead SPLC's strategic policy initiatives to safeguard, strengthen, and expand civil rights protections, with a particular focus on robust enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws. In this capacity, the Counsel will work to advance policies that remove barriers to opportunity for Black communities and other historically marginalized groups across the economy, education system, and other critical areas.
The role requires an agile, forward-thinking leader who blends creativity with strategic thinking to respond decisively to ongoing attacks on civil rights while also identifying opportunities to strengthen the framework to meet the realities of today. The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel will also help shape and advance policy strategies to combat hate and extremism. The Counsel will collaborate across internal teams, engage with coalition partners, and cultivate relationships with policymakers to advance policy solutions that promote equal opportunity and move us closer to a society free from discrimination, where all communities can thrive.
Experienced. Proven track record of developing policy solutions, proposals, and recommendations, and transforming them into actionable initiatives. Expertise includes deep knowledge of federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, including enforcement mechanisms and regulatory frameworks; experience in developing strategies to combat white supremacy and other forms of extremism.
Skilled in analyzing and drafting legislation, conducting in-depth policy research, developing innovative policy recommendations, and building issue-based policy advocacy campaigns in support of their adoption by policymakers at the federal level. Experience with federal advocacy, particularly in legislative or administrative processes; and an understanding of federal funding mechanisms and how they can be leveraged to provide equitable access to opportunity.
Strategic Visionary. Skilled at crafting a vision and taking calculated risks to develop and execute strategies and legislative proposals that advance affirmative policies and campaigns.
Innovative. Ability to craft and strategically advance innovative policy solutions to address historic and persistent discrimination in all its forms against historically marginalized communities.
Proactive Leader. Highly driven and resourceful, able to take initiative, work independently, and push projects forward without requiring constant supervision.
Coalition Builder. Experience working within diverse coalitions, leading grassroots campaigns, and engaging directly with impacted communities.
Adaptable. Exceptional ability to work with policy makers across the political and ideological spectrum to advance SPLC’s civil rights/racial justice policy priorities.
Cross-functional Leader. Extensive experience integrating research, legal policy, communications, and organizing expertise to drive policy change. Proven ability to assess and create effective strategies to achieve specific goals.
Advocate. Ability to advocate by serving as a public thought leader on SPLC’s affirmative policy work, representing SPLC in the media, at conferences, and in other public venues as assigned.
Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment. Pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and complete assignments.
Collaborative. Proven ability to work across departments and with external stakeholders to implement strategies that advance legislative and policy objectives.
Effective Communicator. Strong communication skills, with the ability to persuasively engage diverse audiences through both written and spoken formats.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC’s mission.
Maintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant policy issues, laws, and regulations to support advocacy efforts.
Cultivate strong relationships with key members of Congress, staff, and federal administration officials who oversee, develop and implement federal policy on SPLC impact areas and priorities on an on-going basis via in-person or virtual means as necessary.
Collaborate with policy teams (federal, research and regional) and other departments to develop and implement strategic policy advocacy plans on relevant SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Draft comments, letters, statements, testimony, talking points, fact sheets, policy recommendations, and other policy advocacy materials that articulate SPLC’s policy positions with supporting legal and policy analysis of civil rights implications of federal legislation, regulations, and/or executive actions.
Organize briefings to elevate research and policy writing and facilitate the drafting and presentation of SPLC testimony before relevant Congressional committees and federal agencies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings; collaborate with SPLC staff, key stakeholders, ally organizations, and coalition partners to strategize around, develop, and execute advocacy strategies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Analyze federal legislation and administrative rules and regulations and provide policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to policymakers, community members, and partners.
Train and mentor policy staff, interns and externs as needed.
Perform other duties as required or assigned, and which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and Policy Department’s goals.
We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
This is an exempt role, and the minimum salary is established as stated below:
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.
This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.
This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Southern Poverty Law CenterCookies & analytics
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