Intern: Communications

ACLU of Texas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The ACLU of Texas invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for a part-time Communications Intern role in Houston. You will work with either the digital or press teams to support daily operations and campaigns, gaining hands-on experience crafting messages for specific audiences to advance civil liberties.

The internship runs 8 weeks (Fall 2026 or Spring 2027), requires a minimum of 15 hours weekly, and pays $17 per hour.

Qualifications

• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
• Experience drafting digital (social posts, blogs, emails) or press (statements and pitches) content is a plus.
• Interest in news and familiarity with social media platforms or press outlets.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to day-to-day functions of the Communications Department for digital or press tracks.
• Draft social posts, blogs, emails, or press statements and pitches as assigned.
• Conduct independent topic research related to advocacy campaigns or internal efforts.
• Support communications for in-person events or collaborations across the organization.

Skills

Research skills

Writing

Editing

Social media

Press content

Job description

Job Title

Communications Intern

Location

Houston Preferred

Department

Communications

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is a leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State. From Amarillo to Brownsville and Beaumont to El Paso, we believe in a Texas that works for all of us — a Texas where each person has an equal say in the decisions that shape our future and everyone can build a good life.

The ACLU of Texas works with communities, at the State Capitol, and in the courts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan, no exception. We are both a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Texas invites individuals, including undergraduate and graduate students, to apply for an internship in the Communications Department. Individuals passionate about civil liberties who are interested in developing skills in the social justice space in the local and state context will find an internship with the ACLU of Texas to be a rewarding learning experience.

We're seeking a communications intern who will bring creativity, passion, and drive to our department. Specifically, they will have the chance to work with either our digital or press teams to contribute to daily operations and longer-term campaigns. Interns will gain valuable experience learning how to craft communications for specific audiences to advance strategic goals, as well as a unique perspective on how the ACLU of Texas operates.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

Internships are part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week. We generally prefer that part-time interns commit to work full workdays (i.e., two eight-hour days rather than four four-hour days).

• 2026 Fall internship: 8 weeks (September 28, 2026, to Dec. 04, 2026)
• 2027 Spring internship: 8 weeks (January 26, 2027, to March 23, 2027)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Our internship program is designed to provide valuable experience by working directly with team members in each department and across the organization.

• Contribute to the day-to-day functions of the Communications Department. For the digital intern, this may include creating social media posts, blogs, and eye-catching graphics and sharable images. For the press intern, this may include drafting press statements and media pitches, as well as helping to monitor the media inbox and coordinate media interviews.
• Conduct independent research on a specific topic or project related to an advocacy campaign, legislative bill, or internal capacity-building effort as assigned.
• Provide communications support for in-person events or other collaborations with the Engagement Department.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the ACLU of Texas to stay well informed of organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong research, writing, and editing skills, preferably with experience drafting digital (social media posts, blogs, emails) or press (statements and pitches) content.
• Demonstrated interest in the news, preferably with familiarity of social media platforms or press outlets.
• Self-motivated ability to juggle multiple tasks and complete assignments on time with excellence.

APPLICATION DEADLINE & INFORMATION

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the internship cycle as decisions are made on a rolling basis.

• Fall/Spring Term: Applications will be closed on August 15, 2026.
• Which internship are you interested in? (Please select one.)
• (I) digital
• (II) press
• (III) digital OR press internships.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this role is $17/hour.

EEO Statement

The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.