Undergraduate Democracy Program Intern

Job Description

About the Company: The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law

The Brennan Center for Justice is a nonpartisan law and policy institute affiliated with NYU School of Law. Its core mission is to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. The organization strives to hold political institutions and laws accountable to the fundamental American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all.

Their work encompasses a broad range of critical issues, including:
• Voting rights
• Campaign finance reform
• Ending mass incarceration
• Preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies

The Brennan Center operates as a multi-faceted entity, functioning as:
• Part think-tank, conducting rigorous research.
• Part advocacy group, crafting innovative policies and fighting for them.
• Part cutting-edge communications hub, engaging in the court of public opinion.

They primarily advance their goals by:
• Starting with rigorous research.
• Developing innovative policies.
• Advocating for these policies in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, stating a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse team and making employment decisions without regard to various protected characteristics. They also emphasize a commitment to public health, requiring COVID-19 vaccination or a legal exemption for employees in their New York and Washington, DC offices.

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About the Job: Undergraduate Democracy Program Intern

The Brennan Center for Justice is seeking in-person interns for their Democracy program at their New York City office. This internship is specifically open only to current undergraduate students.

Role Overview:
The internship is designed to provide comprehensive support to staff within the Democracy program. It offers a blend of essential administrative and clerical duties with opportunities for engagement in substantive program work, research, and advocacy efforts related to democratic reforms.

Responsibilities:

1. General Administrative & Clerical Support (All Interns):
• Filing
• Answering phones
• Coordinating meetings
• Drafting routine correspondence
• Covering the reception desk
• General research

2. Specific Program-Related Duties (Beyond Administrative):
• Providing support for litigation.
• Assisting in the research for, and rollout of, reports.
• Aiding the program’s advocacy efforts in key areas such as:
• Voting
• Elections and Government
• Judiciary
• Federal Reform
• Redistricting
• Other related projects.

3. Learning Opportunities:
• Interns will have opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidates should possess a specific set of skills and attributes:
• Independent self-starters
• Detail-oriented
• Energetic
• Punctual
• Highly organized
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• A passion for the issues championed by the Brennan Center (democracy and justice).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (a must).
• Experience working with data (very helpful).
• Open to evolving responsibilities.

The Brennan Center encourages applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and encourages applications even if candidates do not meet 100% of the stated qualifications.

Logistics & Application Details:

• Location: In-person at the New York City office.
• Target Audience: Current undergraduate students only.
• Hours: Approximately 10 – 20 hours per week. (Note: If participating in a formal school internship program allowing more hours, a determination will be made based on Brennan Center needs and school program assessment).
• Pay: $17.50 per hour. (Note: Payment is subject to the intern’s school rules; if a school prohibits paid internships for reasons like receiving credit, the internship will not be paid).
• Duration: September – December 2025.
• Application Deadline: July 18, 2025.
• Application Process:
• Apply online via the provided link (preferred method).
• Required documents (preferably in PDF):
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter (must specify interest in the role and what the applicant hopes to contribute)
3. List of contact details for three supervisor references.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found.
• No phone calls.
• If issues with the online system, applications can be sent via email to [email protected] with “Democracy NY Undergrad Internship” in the subject line, but only after registering in the online system.