Intern: Development

Location: Houston, Dallas, Austin, or anywhere in Texas

About the Organization

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is a leading civil rights organization in the Lone Star State. Our vision: From Amarillo to Brownsville and Beaumont to El Paso, we believe in a Texas that works for all of us — a Texas where each person has an equal say in the decisions that shape our future and everyone can build a good life. Our mission: The ACLU of Texas works with communities, at the State Capitol, and in the courts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan, no exceptions.

About the Role

The ACLU of Texas invites individuals, including undergraduate and graduate students, to apply for an internship in the Development Department. Individuals passionate about civil liberties who are interested in developing skills in the social justice space in the local and state context will find an internship with the ACLU of Texas to be a rewarding learning experience. We are looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and detail-oriented; have strong critical thinking skills. The Development department is particularly committed to:

• Meaningfully engaging supporters through cultivation and stewardship;
• Building an internal culture of philanthropy across departments; and
• Diversifying the supporter base of the ACLU of Texas.

Internship candidates should identify and commit to these principles.

Schedule

Internships are part-time, requiring a minimum commitment of 10-15 hours per week. We generally prefer that part-time interns have access to a computer and reliable internet.

• 2026 Fall internship: 8 weeks (September 28, 2026, to December 4, 2026)
• 2027 Spring internship: 8 weeks (January 26, 2027, to March 23, 2027)

Responsibilities

As an intern at ACLU of Texas, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in meaningful work that advances civil liberties and social justice. Our internship program is designed to provide valuable experience by working directly with the team members of each department. You will work alongside passionate advocacy, legal, communications, operations, and development experts who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Research of existing and prospective financial supporters
• Grant support; review and editing support
• Research and identify grant opportunities and foundation prospects
• Engagement with ACLU of Texas constituents, including events and drafting donor communications
• Operational support as needed
• Project management, research, analytics (survey design and management)

Requirements

Interns should possess the following:

• Strong communication, research, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Strong research and writing skills
• The ability to work independently and to see projects through to completion
• A commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice
• Commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Texas

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the internship cycle as decisions are made on a rolling basis. Fall/Spring Term: Applications will be closed on August 15, 2026.

Pay

Compensation for this role is $17/hour.