Intern, Policy - Mississippi Office (Fall 2026)

The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy interns who are passionate about civil rights! 

The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate, graduate and law 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 outreach, public education, litigation and policy 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 advancing 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 monitor, develop and implement community-focused advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision and values.

What You'll Do

Work alongside our Mississippi policy team members to implement our advocacy agenda during the 2026 Legislative Session, including issues related to our organizational impact areas: Economic Justice; Decriminalization and Decarceration; Democracy; and Human Rights, Inclusion, and Anti-Extremism.

Participate in professional development and networking opportunities throughout the internship term.

Assist our Mississippi policy team monitor, develop and implement community-focused strategies to influence positive change in the lives of children, immigrants, workers, people impacted by hate and extremism, incarcerated people, and those experiencing economic hardship.

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 graduate or law school program;


• Strong academic background; and


• Excellent 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 the following work designations options:

• Local Remote (Jackson): Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC New Orleans office or in the states in which the SPLC operates.

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 role requires possible evening and weekend work for events (townhall, community events, etc.).

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 5:00pm CST 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.