Policy Internship

Position Summary

The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) is seeking two part-time interns to join our team for the 2026–2027 academic year. One intern will focus primarily on Policy & Advocacy, and the other will focus primarily on Organizing & Civic Engagement. Both interns will work closely with NMILC staff, community members, and coalition partners to advance immigrant justice in New Mexico.

These internships offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in legislative advocacy, policy research, community organizing, and civic engagement. Although the interns will collaborate closely, each position will have a distinct primary focus.

The internships will span the full academic year. During the fall, interns will support legislative preparation, community engagement, and relationship building. During the spring legislative session, they will support legislative advocacy, organizing, and community mobilization, including activities at the Roundhouse.

Policy & Advocacy Intern

The Policy & Advocacy Intern will support NMILC’s policy team in researching and advancing policies that promote immigrant justice. This position is especially suited for students interested in public policy, legislative advocacy, government relations, policy research, and coalition building.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Conduct research on legislation, policy issues, and developments affecting immigrant communities.

- Track bills and legislative developments during New Mexico’s legislative session.

- Support NMILC’s legislative advocacy strategy, including preparation for meetings with legislators and other decision-makers.

- Help develop policy briefs, fact sheets, presentations, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials.

- Research legislative history, policy proposals, and relevant data to inform NMILC’s policy priorities.

- Participate in coalition meetings with community organizations and advocacy partners; take notes and track follow-up items.

- Assist with planning and facilitating community listening sessions to inform NMILC’s policy priorities.

- Support legislative-session preparation through research, advocacy materials, and policy strategy development.

- Support volunteer training and coordination related to legislative advocacy and policy campaigns.

- Provide administrative and project support to the policy team.

Organizing & Civic Engagement Intern

The Organizing & Civic Engagement Intern will help build community power and engage volunteers, advocates, and community members in advancing NMILC’s policy priorities. This position is especially suited for students interested in community organizing, volunteer engagement, grassroots advocacy, civic participation, campaigns, and community-led change.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers and community advocates.

- Help build and maintain a volunteer cohort throughout the academic year.

- Support volunteer orientations, trainings, and leadership development.

- Coordinate volunteer and community participation in legislative hearings, meetings, events, and advocacy activities.

- Help plan and carry out NMILC’s Day of Action and other community advocacy events.

- Support event logistics and volunteer coordination at the Roundhouse during the legislative session.

- Conduct community outreach and engage community members in NMILC’s campaigns and advocacy efforts.

- Help plan and facilitate community listening sessions and other organizing activities.

- Support community members in sharing their experiences and engaging with legislators and other decision-makers.

- Develop outreach materials, action alerts, talking points, and other organizing resources.

- Work with coalition partners to coordinate joint actions, events, and advocacy activities.

- Participate in legislative advocacy and community mobilization throughout the legislative session.

Qualifications

For both positions, NMILC seeks undergraduate or graduate students who:

- Demonstrate a commitment to immigrant justice, social equity, and community-led change.

- Have an interest in learning about policy, advocacy, organizing, or civic engagement.

- Are enthusiastic about working with community members, volunteers, coalition partners, and advocates.

- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.

- Are organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

- Are willing to learn, take initiative, and contribute as part of a team.

- Can adapt to a fast-paced environment and changing priorities, particularly during the legislative session.

Prior experience in policy, organizing, advocacy, legislative work, or nonprofit work is helpful but not required. We encourage students who are eager to learn and passionate about immigrant justice to apply.

Preferred Language Skills

Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred but not required. We especially welcome applicants who can communicate with both English- and Spanish-speaking community members.

Compensation

- Starting Rate: $19/hour (full-time, non-exempt), with upward adjustments for additional relevant experience.