Overview:

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the SPLC Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization, are 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.

Our strategic framework outlines four impact areas for our work: 1) strengthening democracy in our states and ensuring representational diversity, 2) relegating white supremacy out of the mainstream and reducing the harms of hate and extremism, 3) reducing the numbers of Black and Brown people incarcerated and detained, and 4) eradicating poverty and eliminating racial economic inequality.

The SPLC MS State Office team is a diverse team of passionate advocates who are fighting for the rights and dignity of those on the margins of society, the exploited and the abused. Our team is based in strategically located currently in four out of Mississippi’s seven regions. Together, alongside those with lived experiences, community partners, and colleagues across the organization, we work to advance the SPLC’s agenda with government officials, advocating policy, legal, regulatory, and legislative recommendations in alignment with the organization’s impact areas.

State Office Internship

The SPLC MS State Office Team offers internships to exceptional 3^rd and 4^th year students with a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and equality. We are seeking a highly motivated intern who is passionate about civil rights and interested in supporting and learning about how to apply state community research analysis to support and advance critical advocacy within SPLC’s impact areas.  

Primary Job Functions:

• Assist MS State Organizing team with departmental projects.
• Provide research support for various issues related to SPLC impact areas;
• Assist in drafting research memos, fact sheets, and other writings.
• Drafting and capturing content for social media
• Co-manage the Mississippi Office statewide electronic newsletter.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications –

Education and Related Work Experience:

• Currently enrolled 3^rd or 4th student;
• Strong research and writing skills; and
• Strong academic background.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated interest and past involvement in racial justice, civil rights, and equality issues;
• Strong interest in strengthening policy research expertise and learning how research can support policy advocacy;
• Desire and ability to work with diverse groups of people;
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a professional setting;
• A high mission orientation for public interest work;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Additional Information:

Students are supervised by our Mississippi State Director in the Jackson, MS. Office. The Center pays $16.10 per hour for a minimum of 40 hours a week, with opportunities for additional compensation through supervisory approved overtime, and supplied technical equipment necessary to perform requested duties.

This internship is expected to begin June 2023 with a commitment of 10 consecutive weeks.

Work Designation:

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states or in the states in which SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at the Jackson, MS. office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location. 

To Apply:

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript. Applications must be received by 04/17/2023.

Other Special Considerations:

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

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 of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.