The ACLU of Nebraska (ACLU-NE) seeks a policy intern to gain hands-on experience in civil rights and civil liberties advocacy by working alongside our policy team throughout the legislative session. Interns will see firsthand how legislation moves through the Nebraska Unicameral and how advocates research policy issues, analyze proposed laws, engage with legislators and community partners, develop advocacy strategies, and communicate policy positions to decision-makers and the public. This internship is designed to give students meaningful experience in the day-to-day work of a state civil liberties organization while developing skills in research, writing, legislative advocacy, and community engagement as they work across our priority issue areas (Smart Justice, Voting Rights, Bodily Autonomy, Immigrants’ Rights, and Indigenous Justice).

This internship is designed for and only available to students enrolled in an institution of higher education (community college, university, graduate school, etc.). It is a hybrid position, with time spent in the office, working remotely, or at the Capitol/community events.

The ACLU-NE is the state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and an independent 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of the individual rights and liberties of all Nebraskans. The ACLU-NE carries out our mission through a sophisticated program of integrated advocacy with strategies that include litigation, negotiation, advocacy, and public engagement and activation. The ACLU-NE is proud to foster a fun and fast-paced work environment. Our offices are in the heart of Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, Nebraska. Our 14-person team is complemented by law clerks, interns, contractors, volunteer attorneys, and thousands of supporters statewide.

Currently, there is one opening at 15 to 20 hours per week, depending on the selected candidate's availability. This position will run from January 2027 to May/June 2027 (~20-22 weeks). We understand that the spring semester may be shorter than the legislative session and will be flexible on start/end dates. Exact dates will be determined in conjunction with the policy team and the selected applicant, as the legislative session will start on January 5th and likely end in early June. This job posting will close on Nov. 16th. Interviews will start the week of Nov. 30th, and a final decision will be provided to all candidates during the week of Dec. 7th. There is a possibility of a contract extension based on availability, performance, and the selected candidate's graduation date.

• Attend legislative hearings and partner meetings.
• Assist in administrative policy tasks, such as keeping our bill tracker up to date.
• Help prepare reports, testimony, and talking points.
• Assist with policy and legal research (analyzing existing laws/policies).
• Assist in identifying and engaging stakeholders.
• Support advocacy campaigns.
• Assist with creating educational materials and conducting trainings.
• Occasionally assist with event staffing.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Flexible and adaptable to new situations, with the ability to adjust to shifting priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of, and interest in, the legislative process.
• Is detail-oriented, goal-focused, and highly organized.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Has a commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice.

The Policy Intern will be a part-time temporary employee of the ACLU of Nebraska. The rate of pay for this position is $21/hour.

The ACLU-NE is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-NE encourages applications from all qualified and eligible individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, tribal affiliation, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The ACLU-NE makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified and eligible persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU-NE is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying, please e-mail agagner@aclunebraska.org or call 402-476-8091. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Civil rights and civil liberties violations disproportionately hurt the most marginalized people in society – including Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women, formerly incarcerated and LGBTQ+ people. These communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or those who are members of other marginalized communities.

Submit a resume and cover letter via email to our policy team at policy@aclunebraska.org.