Communications Intern

January 2024

LOCATION: REMOTE

The ACLU of Florida seeks an undergraduate intern in the Communications Department. This position is remote (but living in Florida).

The ACLU Foundation of Florida is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida. The Florida affiliate currently has a budget of over $8 million and 41 staff members, placing it among the larger ACLU affiliates in the nation. 

The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public policy advocacy, organizing, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, racial justice, right to privacy, religious liberty, criminal justice reform, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, disability rights, and immigrants’ rights. The ACLU of Florida is headquartered in Miami with regional offices in Jacksonville,  Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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, and media advisories.
• Build media expertise by researching and building lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers from a wide array of national and local publications.
• Help increase coverage of ACLU of Florida issues and messages by crafting and sending pitches to news media on ACLU of Florida campaigns and projects.
• Monitor news and media trends, including tracking press clips.
• Engage in research projects that can help inform multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, audiences, messaging, and media relations strategies.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Florida. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regard to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability and socio-economic circumstance. 
• This posting provides a general but not comprehensive list of the opportunities of the internship.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong oral, written, and editing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others.
• 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.
• One semester (or equivalent) experience in the following areas is strongly preferred: journalism, public relations, communications, content creation.
• A demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice, civil rights, and liberties.
• Proficiency in Associated Press style is a plus.
• Work with Outlook, Asana, Slack, and Canva.
• Familiarity with media relations software such as Cision or Meltwater is a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish or Kreyol preferred but not required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Compensation: $15 per hour for those students who do not receive course credit.
• Internship will require approximately 20 hours per week, with an exact schedule set in conjunction with your direct supervisor.
• Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please send a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample by email to [email protected]. All inquiries should include Communications Intern in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

This job description provides a general, but not comprehensive, list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Florida encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, LGBTQIA+, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage formerly incarcerated individuals to apply. If selected for an interview, please inquire if financial assistance is needed to attend.

The ACLU of Florida makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment efforts provide persons with disabilities with full opportunities for employment in all positions.

The ACLU of Florida undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.

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