Responsibilities

• The media and communications strategy intern will work on a wide array of civil liberties and civil rights issues, including advocacy and litigation around free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, privacy and technology, reproductive rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reform.
• The intern will contribute to creating and expanding message narratives and will use strategic communications to help bring attention to ACLU cases and advocate for policies we care about.
• The intern will gain experience on social media, media relations, storytelling, and more.
• Your Day to Day: Contribute to the day-to-day functions of the communications department, including writing internal and external-facing materials such as press releases, talking points, social media posts, blogs, digital content, and media advisories
• Your Day to Day: Build media expertise by researching and building lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers from a wide array of national and local publications
• Your Day to Day: Help increase coverage of ACLU issues and messages by crafting and sending pitches to news media on ACLU campaigns and projects
• Your Day to Day: Monitor news and media trends, including tracking press clips
• Your Day to Day: Engage in research projects that can help inform multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, audiences, messaging, and media relations strategies

Requirements

• Completion of at least the first year of an undergraduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field
• At least one semester (or equivalent) internship or work experience in journalism, public relations, or communications
• Experience drafting press releases, blogs, social media posts, or other digital content strongly preferred
• Exceptional writing and editing skills
• Avid news reader; familiarity with news media and online platforms, as well as the latest trends in media
• Familiarity with best practices in communications and public relations
• Familiarity with Associated Press style or media relations software such as Cision or Meltwater is a plus

Preferred

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflict