The SPLC is seeking a highly motivated Public & Media Relations Intern who is passionate about advancing racial and social justice!
The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate and graduate schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, a collaborative mindset, 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 advocacy.
Who You Are
Involved. An active member of your college's newspaper, radio station, public relations club, marketing team, or similar media/communications platform.
Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues through compelling storytelling and clear communication.
Communicative. Strong communication skills. Able to write clearly and simply, create targeted materials, and explain complex ideas so they’re easy for the public and media to understand.
Strategic. Able to think ahead, spot opportunities to share mission-aligned stories, initiatives and campaigns, and support communication plans that increase the organization’s visibility with the public and media.
Proactive. Takes initiative to share stories and promote ideas in news and online media to highlight the organization’s work and expertise.
Curious. A natural sense of curiosity and commitment to accuracy in reporting and research.
Teammate. Ability to productively work with the Public & Media Relations Team and across internal departments to support organizational communications through impactful media engagement.
Organized. Self-starter who is detail-oriented, with strong typing skills and the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision, and values.
What You'll Do
Draft and distribute a variety of press materials, such as press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, key messages, talking points and related content for internal and external organizational projects.
Develop and maintain relationships with regional and national news outlets, track breaking news on key issues, and assist with rapid-response communication strategies.
Book organizational experts for print, radio, podcasts, and TV, handle daily press inquiries, manage media events, and provide support on tasks like spokesperson training and interview coaching to highlight the organization’s work.
Collaborate with internal and external teams to plan messaging that aligns with the organization’s goals and participate in meetings to stay up to date on media strategy needs.
Perform other duties as required or assigned 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 department’s goals.
Minimum Qualifications
We are committed to equitable hiring practices. Therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.
- Currently a Senior or graduate student enrolled at an accredited 4-year college in communications/public relations, journalism, human rights, African American/Latinx, women's studies or related advocacy program and will not graduate before December 2026;
- Strong academic background;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Prior involvement with a college newspaper or radio, PR club, marketing team, or similar media/communications platform.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
Where & How You'll Work
This role has the following work designations:
- Local Remote (Atlanta): Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC Atlanta offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
- This position will report to the Lead Public & Media Relations Strategist.
Other Special Considerations
- 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 3rd, 2026 and will end on December 4th, 2026.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript by 5:00pm CST on Monday, May 8th, 2026.
Disclaimer:
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.
An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity
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.