Summer 2026 Public Affairs & Communications Internship (Graduate)

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.

Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

Earthjustice’s Public Affairs & Communications (“PAC”) team works closely with attorneys, policy staff, clients, and coalition partners to develop and implement strategic communications to support litigation and legislative advocacy in Earthjustice’s docket and build Earthjustice’s profile.

PAC is seeking a summer 2026 intern. We are seeking graduate students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. The intern will work with our PAC strategists on communications campaigns, press releases, media lists, etc. related to SCOTUS. The summer 2026 PAC intern is expected to work full-time at 37.5 hours/week for 10-12 weeks. The successful candidate may work remotely from the U.S. or on a hybrid schedule from our Washington, DC office.

What You’ll Do

Under the supervision of the Public Affairs & Communications Team Manager:

• Stay abreast of related high-priority issues such as SCOTUS decisions.
• Support the development and implementation of national communication campaigns, such as compiling media lists, conducting media outreach, and drafting press releases.
• Collaborate across Earthjustice’s communications department, and work in partnership with coalitions and legal experts.

Please note that the above serves as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirements.

What You’ll Bring

• Was enrolled in a graduate studies communications program during spring 2026 and will continue enrollment in the program through fall 2026.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and comfort navigating and learning new tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.

Physical Requirements:

This role may require the ability to:

• Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking
• Type, file, and/or handle office equipment
• Lift and carry materials
• Read documents, conduct computer work and document review

Compensation:

Interns at Earthjustice receive an hourly rate that is considered taxable income. The summer 2026 hourly rate for graduate students is $27.39.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 19 and offers extended no later than March 27.

• Resume.
• One-page cover letter that addresses: (1) Why you want to work with Earthjustice’s PAC team, (2) Confirmation you can work 37.5 hours/week for 10-12 weeks, (3) Your preference for either remote (U.S.) or hybrid-from-Washington, DC work schedule, and (4) An indication of any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your ability to accept an offer.
• Additional Documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): (1) Proof of enrollment in your academic program (e.g., verification from your registrar’s office, unofficial transcript), and (2) A 1-3-page writing sample, preferably a press release.
• Finalists will be asked to submit 2 references.

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process. Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only considers applications submitted for current openings via Jobvite. Unsolicited resumes or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via Jobvite will not be reviewed or retained.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/5ymDqGCYjD6DWcyrTpna5

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