Internships and Externships
*See Specific Internship Description For Current Semesters Open To Application
Social Media & Communications Internship
*Currently Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
Social Media & Communications Interns will learn how to implement print, broadcast, and social media strategies. Interns will learn how to draft media advisories and press releases and how to conduct press conferences. Interns will also, when viable, accompany STOP staff to interviews, respond to breaking news, and help develop STOP’s long-term media plan.
Qualifications:
Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program.
Strong research and writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and major research databases.
Clear passion for civil rights, privacy, or related technical fields.
Preferred (not required): relevant coursework and/or prior communications or graphic design work.
Preferred (not required): minimum availability of 10 hours a week for the Fall or Spring Semesters. Full-time placements are always available.
To apply please provide a cover letter, CV, recent transcript and writing sample (combined as a single PDF) either through Handshake or by email to jobs [at] stopspying.org with the subject: “Social Media/Comms Intern”, as well as following this link to fill out our Community Survey.
Advocacy Internship
*Currently Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
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Advocacy Interns will learn how to engage with the communities most directly impacted by surveillance. They will learn how to establish and maintain relationships with local coalition and government partners, including the New York City Council and Mayor’s Office. Key projects will focus on civic engagement and community-based education about surveillance, privacy, and discriminatory policing. Interns will also learn project management and tracking, using S.T.O.P.’s internal systems.
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Qualifications:
Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Understanding of New York communities and grassroots organizations.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and phone skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and major research databases.
Clear passion for civil rights, privacy, or related technical fields.
Preferred (not required): relevant coursework and/or prior outreach or grassroots work.
Preferred (not required): minimum availability of 10 hours a week for the Fall and Spring semesters. Full-time placements are always available.
To apply please provide a cover letter, CV, recent transcript and writing sample (combined as a single PDF) either through Handshake or by email to jobs [at] stopspying.org with the subject: “Advocacy Intern”, as well as following this link to fill out our Community Survey.
Civil Rights Internship/Externship
Currently accepting applications for Fall 2026
Civil Rights Interns carry out a broad mix of direct legal services, impact litigation, research, and government affairs engagement. Our work includes a unique mix of criminal, civil, and administrative matters, ranging from challenges to discriminatory NYPD policies, to civil follow-on litigation for victims of hate crimes, and representation in national security investigations.
Qualifications:
Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program.
Strong research and writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and phone skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and major research databases.
Demonstrated interest in privacy rights, technology, civil rights, or preferably the intersection thereof.
Preference given to students who have taken relevant coursework and/or previously worked in a legal office setting.
Fall and Spring Semester Civil Rights internships carry a minimum commitment of 10 hours a week (full-time school year placements are always available). Summer Civil Rights internships are full-time (30-40 hours per week) and run for 10 weeks, with options to extend on a case-by-case basis.
To apply please provide a cover letter, CV, recent transcript and writing sample (combined as a single PDF) either through Handshake or by email to jobs [at] stopspying.org with the subject: “Civil Rights Intern”, as well as following this link to fill out our Community Survey.
Research Internship/Externship
*Currently Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
Research interns write advocacy-oriented research materials exploring the impact of government surveillance technologies on civil rights and racial justice. Research interns also contribute research toward S.T.O.P.’s op-eds and conference proposals.
Qualifications:
Stellar writing skills and the ability to make highly technical topics clear and engaging to a broad audience.
Research experience in an area related to S.T.O.P.’s work. Preference given to candidates experienced with surveillance technology, government use of technology, online privacy, or a closely related area (please explain).
Current or recent undergraduate/graduate student.
Comfort with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other productivity tools.
Clear passion for civil rights and privacy.
Preferred (not required): minimum availability of 10 hours a week for the Fall and Spring semesters. Full-time placements are always available.
To apply please provide a cover letter, CV, recent transcript and writing sample (combined as a single PDF) either through Handshake or by email to jobs [at] stopspying.org with the subject: “Research Intern”, as well as following this link to fill out our Community Survey.
Nonprofit Development & Fundraising Internship
*Currently Accepting Applications for Fall 2026 (Students interested in year-long placements will be given priority)
Nonprofit Development and Fundraising Interns will ​learn the ins and outs of fundraising through hands-on assignments in nonprofit development and ​grants management. Interns will benefit from hands-on coaching on grant writing, donor prospecting, solicitation, and strategic planning. Interns will hone their writing skills by drafting reports detailing S.T.O.P.’s recent accomplishments and planned growths.
Qualifications:
Current enrollment in (or recent graduation from) an undergraduate or graduate program.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grants research databases
Stellar research and writing skills
Detail-oriented and/or great attention to detail
Clear passion for civil rights, privacy, or related technical fields.
Preferred (not required): relevant coursework and/or prior development, fundraising, or grant writing experience.
Preferred (not required): minimum availability of 10 hours a week for the Fall or Spring semesters. Full-time placements are always available.
To apply please provide a cover letter, CV, recent transcript and writing sample (combined as a single PDF) either through Handshake or by email to jobs [at] stopspying.org with the subject: “Nonprofit Development Intern”, as well as following this link to fill out our Community Survey.
‍ ‍S.T.O.P. is based out of New York City, and while our internships can function 100% remotely, staff and interns in NYC can take advantage of co-working meetups, advocacy and action events, as well as other in-person opportunities.
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Currently, internship positions are unpaid and available for outside funding and college credit only. We are currently working towards a paid internship program for the future.