Fall 2026 Communications Internship

ArchCity Defenders•St. Louis, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization dedicated to combating the criminalization of poverty and state violence, particularly in communities of color. ACD's integrated approach, encompassing civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration, strives to achieve justice and equitable outcomes for individuals throughout the St. Louis region and beyond. The organization envisions a society free from oppressive systems, where justice and racial equity are realized, public safety prioritizes investment in well-being and transformation over criminalization and incarceration, and individuals can thrive without regard to race or income. The Communications team at ACD plays a crucial role in educating the public about the organization's mission, initiatives, and services; advocating for issues vital to the client community; supporting the legal work of ACD staff; providing a platform for clients to share their stories; managing media relationships; and assisting the Development team with marketing and fundraising. ACD's media advocacy has been pivotal in exposing injustice, countering negative media narratives about marginalized communities, and influencing public discourse on critical regional issues. ACD is seeking interns to join its dynamic communications team. Communications interns will be integrated into an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with attorneys and staff to advance ACD's mission and broaden its reach. Successful interns will be assertive, independent, persistent, empathetic, proactive, and flexible, demonstrating initiative, problem-solving skills, and a strong advocacy for themselves and others. Two distinct internship tracks are available: Communications Intern and Digital Media Intern. Applicants will select their preferred track during the application process.

Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Curiosity about learning new systems
Experience/interest in developing accessible and relevant content for social media
Experience editing and drafting website content
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Detail-oriented approach to working in a team-driven organization
High capacity for problem-solving and self-direction and the ability to work independently within time constraints
Flexible and able to respond appropriately to ACD’s changing needs
Commitment to racial and economic justice and systems change
Cultural awareness and sensitivity toward diverse populations; awareness of structures of power, privilege, and oppression
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva

Responsibilities

Present innovative communications/media ideas
Create written content and take pictures for print publications, events, marketing collateral materials, and our blog, the ACD Justice Journal
Create written content, take pictures, and produce videos for ACD’s website and social media channels
Track earned news media clips (radio, online, print, television)
Conduct issue and policy research on social, legal, racial and/or economic issues
Attend communications update meetings as needed
Support the mission of ACD and work with staff to support that mission through communications services
Any other duties as assigned to help the Communications team do its best work
Brainstorm design concepts and draft initial designs for review
Assist with the design of ACD materials, including graphics for social media, print publications, events, and marketing collateral materials
Update the website with various content using WordPress
Present social media metrics reports and make suggestions to improve communications strategy