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 national security policies. 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 an intern to join our Communications department on the Design team to provide design and administrative support to staffs.
Note: This internship is in-person at our New York office.
Responsibilities:
The intern will assist with graphic design, archival and photo research, and administrative work for the Brennan Center, including but not limited to coordinating meetings, and drafting routine correspondence through email. Additionally, there will be opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work. Applicant must be open to evolving responsibilities.
In addition to duties listed above, specific responsibilities for the Design team include:
Producing still and motion graphics for digital channels
Completing extensive image and archive research and research on Brennan Center issues to develop engaging graphics
Supporting development of institutional, campaign, and brand videos/graphics; motion and still research, cataloging and organization of visual assets
Maintaining multimedia archive: graphics, images and video.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidates are independent self-starters; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent design skills, as well as a passion for our issues.
Experience with Adobe applications, including InDesign and Photoshop is a must.
A link to your portfolio, or a pdf, containing your best quality work must be submitted for your application to be considered.
We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.
If you’re uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.
This internship is only open to undergraduate students for Fall 2026.
Hours: Approximately 10 – 20 hours per week
Pay: $18.40 per hour
Duration: September – December 2026
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026
Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program.
To Apply:
Please visit >>LINK HERE<< and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) resume, (2) cover letter, (3) link to portfolio or pdf of recent work and (4) list of contact details of three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about the Design team and the Brennan Center.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.
If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to [email protected] with “Design Fall Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.
Skills Required
- Experience with Adobe applications including InDesign and Photoshop
- Link to portfolio or PDF of recent work submitted
- Resume, cover letter, and contact details for three supervisor references
- Undergraduate student status for Fall 2026
- Ability to work in-person at the New York office
- Availability approximately 10-20 hours per week (Sept–Dec 2026)
- Excellent design skills, strong attention to detail, punctuality, organization, and initiative
- Passion for the Brennan Center's issues and willingness to take on evolving responsibilities
What We Do
The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to reform, revitalize – and when necessary, defend – our country's systems of democracy and justice. At this critical moment, the Brennan Center is dedicated to protecting the rule of law and the values of Constitutional democracy. We focus on voting rights, campaign finance reform, ending mass incarceration, and preserving our liberties while also maintaining our national security. 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, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.
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