Intern, State Community Organizer, Mississippi State Office (Fall 2026)

Southern Poverty Law Center

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Jackson, Mississippi

Hybrid

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analysis to support state campaign projects and efforts in Mississippi. Assist in developing persuasive outreach materials, toolkits, and campaign plans to advance racial justice.

Qualifications

You have a demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, with a strong interest in government advocacy and policy research. You possess excellent research and writing skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and are eager to learn about issues across Mississippi.

Must Have Skills for ATS

policy research

advocacy

writing skills

research skills

Job Description

The SPLC is seeking a highly motivated Community Organizer intern who is passionate about civil rights!


The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate and graduate schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through research and public education, outreach, litigation, and advocacy.

Who You Are

Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state, and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on producing quality policy research that advances our policy priorities.

Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.

Driven. Ability to help our policy team conduct groundbreaking policy research to support advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of communities – particularly Black communities and other communities of color – in the Deep South.

Collaborator. Ability to productively work with others as well as independently.

Impactful. Ability to work effectively and productively with the general public.

Eager. Excited to learn about the issues across the State of Mississippi.

Organized. Self-starter who is detailed oriented, with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.

Flexible. Able to participate in work events on some weekends and evenings.

Mission, Vision & Values Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.

What You'll Do

Work alongside the Mississippi State Office team conducting research and analysis to support state campaign projects and efforts.

Assist the State Director and the state office team in developing persuasive and informative outreach materials, including toolkits, talking points, and campaign plans.

Collaborate and support the team in all projects and meetings.

Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and department’s goals.

Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program;
  • Strong academic background; and
  • Excellent research and writing skills.

Compensation & Benefits

The Center pays $17.95 per hour for a minimum of 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. There may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.

Where & How You'll Work 

This role has the following work designation:

  • Local Remote (Jackson Office): Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC Jackson office or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
  • This position will report to the State Director, MS.

Other Special Considerations 

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.

This position may cause some work to be performed on occasional evenings and weekends. Travel across the state of Mississippi is also required. 

Interns are expected to begin on August 3, 2026 and will end on December 4, 2026.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by 6:00pm EST on Friday, May 8, 2026. 


 

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.

Southern Poverty Law Center

The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. We focus our legal, advocacy, and public education efforts on four major areas representing some of the most significant challenges facing the South and beyond: protecting voting rights and civic engagement; eradicating poverty in our Southern communities; dismantling white nationalism and protecting democracy; and decriminalizing and decarcerating Black and Brown people.
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