Policy Internship

New Mexico Immigrant Law Center•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) is seeking two part-time interns for the 2026–2027 academic year: one focused primarily on Policy & Advocacy and one focused primarily on Organizing & Civic Engagement. Both interns will work with NMILC staff, community members, and coalition partners to advance immigrant justice in New Mexico. The internships provide hands-on experience in legislative advocacy, policy research, community organizing, and civic engagement, with each intern having a distinct primary focus. The internships span the full academic year. In the fall, interns support legislative preparation, community engagement, and relationship building. During the spring legislative session, they support legislative advocacy, organizing, and community mobilization, including activities at the Roundhouse. The Policy & Advocacy Intern supports NMILC’s policy team in researching and advancing policies that promote immigrant justice. The role is suited to students interested in public policy, legislative advocacy, government relations, policy research, and coalition building. The Organizing & Civic Engagement Intern helps build community power and engage volunteers, advocates, and community members in advancing NMILC’s policy priorities. The role is suited to students interested in community organizing, volunteer engagement, grassroots advocacy, civic participation, campaigns, and community-led change. NMILC seeks undergraduate or graduate students committed to immigrant justice, social equity, and community-led change. Prior experience in policy, organizing, advocacy, legislative work, or nonprofit work is helpful but not required. Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred but not required. The starting rate is $19 per hour, with upward adjustments for additional relevant experience.

Requirements

Be an undergraduate or graduate student.
Demonstrate commitment to immigrant justice, social equity, and community-led change.
Have an interest in learning about policy, advocacy, organizing, or civic engagement.
Be enthusiastic about working with community members, volunteers, coalition partners, and advocates.
Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.
Be organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Be willing to learn, take initiative, and contribute as part of a team.
Adapt to a fast-paced environment and changing priorities, particularly during the legislative session.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in policy, organizing, advocacy, legislative work, or nonprofit work is helpful but not required.
Spanish/English bilingual skills are preferred but not required; applicants who can communicate with English- and Spanish-speaking community members are especially welcome.

Responsibilities

Research 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 preparing for meetings with legislators and other decision-makers.
Develop policy briefs, fact sheets, presentations, testimony, talking points, and other advocacy materials.
Research legislative history, policy proposals, and relevant data to inform policy priorities.
Participate in coalition meetings; take notes and track follow-up items.
Assist with planning and facilitating community listening sessions.
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.
Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers and community advocates.
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 campaigns and advocacy efforts.
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.
Coordinate joint actions, events, and advocacy activities with coalition partners.
Participate in legislative advocacy and community mobilization throughout the legislative session.