The MacArthur Justice Center (MJC) has an available 10-12-week communications internship opportunity in its Washington, D.C. office for the Spring semester. We will also consider candidates located in IL.

Who We Are:

MJC is a national nonprofit civil rights organization. We represent people who have been harmed by America’s criminal legal system, seeking to vindicate their rights, elevate their story, and hold people with power accountable. We do this primarily through cutting-edge litigation and advocacy across the country, on end-to-end issues in the criminal legal system, from policing, to prosecutorial discretion, to rights of indigent defendants, to mass incarceration, to prison conditions, to wrongful convictions and the death penalty.  For more information on our work, visit www.macarthurjustice.org.

Who You Are:

You are a champion for human rights and are passionate about achieving justice for people who have been harmed by the criminal legal system. You are a true believer in the power of storytelling, public relations, communications, and marketing to change hearts and minds, which in turn, change the laws and policies that affect people’s lives. You are ready to put your excellent writing skills, social media obsession, strong work ethic, and problem-solving skills to work.

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients, co-workers, and community partners who come from different backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Learn:

You will get firsthand experience working alongside a growing communications operation that serves the organization’s five offices. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about how MJC leverages strategic communications to reach our litigation, advocacy, and change goals.

What You’ll Do:

Interns will build proficiency in strategic communications, public relations, media outreach, and digital communications by participating in a variety of activities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the planning and execution of media outreach activities, including researching target reporters and tracking engagement and follow-up needs; draft or refine media outreach materials (press releases, media advisories, pitches, etc.), as needed.
• Conducting research on criminal legal system issues to support digital content, social media posts, and messaging development.
• Monitoring and tracking earned media coverage, and updating media hits tracker.
• Drafting and updating website content, newsletters, and digital resources.
• Supporting the creation of educational and outreach materials for public and media audiences.
• Participating in Communications team meetings, providing clear notes and supporting project coordination.

Qualifications

Education: Preference for candidates who are juniors, seniors, or graduate students as of Spring 2026 studying public relations or journalism.

Skills and Experience:

• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Familiarity and experience with social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, including Word and Excel
• Basic graphic design experience, particularly with Canva, or an interest in learning
• Self-starter who approaches assignments with creativity
• Good time management and ability to work within deadlines
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Experience with content management systems, such as WordPress, is a plus

Location: MJC operates on a hybrid schedule and requires some days in the office each week. The Communications Intern must reside within commuting distance to the DC or IL office.

Communications Interns are expected to apply for any funding available from their schools. If an intern is either ineligible for or does not receive funding from their school, MJC will provide a stipend for each full week of participation up to $360 per week with a commitment of 20 hours per week, offset by any external funding.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following:

• A cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the considerations above and
• A resume.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.  Applications will be accepted through January 2, 2026 or until the position is filled.