Job Description
Parsippany, New Jersey (In-Person)
Jersey 1st is seeking highly motivated high school, college, and graduate students with an interest in government, public policy, and civic engagement to join our Summer 2026 Internship Program. This 10-week, hands-on experience offers interns the opportunity to work directly on state, local, and federal policy issues while gaining practical professional skills in advocacy, communications, and research.
Program Dates: June 2 – August 13, 2026, Virtual orientation on May 28th
THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP, OPTION FOR SCHOOL CREDIT
MUST LIVE OR GO TO SCHOOL IN NJ
Internship Overview:
Interns are placed on our Social Media Marketing team and collaborate closely with staff on projects that directly impact public policy discussions in New Jersey.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Designing social media graphics and supporting Jersey 1st’s outreach strategy.
- Developing the organization's content calendar
- Monitoring state legislative activity, bills, and policy discussions
- Drafting, distributing, and pitching media alerts and op-eds
- Supporting research and strategic planning initiatives
- Collaborating with staff to develop new ideas, campaigns, and engagement opportunities
- Assisting with relationship-building efforts with local organizations, community leaders, and policymakers
- Door Knocking, phone banking and other grassroots outreach initiatives
- Attend occasional events
Professional Development & Experience: Jersey 1st’s internship program is designed to go beyond administrative tasks and provide interns with hands-on professional development, including:
- Resume and interview preparation workshops
- Communication and team-building training
- Guest speaker sessions with local and state leaders
- A guided tour of the New Jersey State House
- Direct mentorship and real-world exposure to public policy and advocacy work
Qualifications
- Must live in or attend school in New Jersey
- Moderate interest in government, public policy, and civic engagement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiar with all major social media platforms
- Has video and audio editing experience
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Compensation & Credit
- This is an unpaid internship
- Eligible for volunteer hours, and willing to work with schools for credits as applicable
Location
All operations are based in our Parsippany, NJ office.
Apply online: www.Jersey1st.org/internship
Questions? Email: Zach@jersey1st.org
Follow Jersey 1st on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn: @Jersey1st