ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Civil Rights Intern Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCivil Rights Intern JobsCivil Rights Intern Jobs in Boston, MA

Civil Rights Intern information

See Boston, MA salary details

$9

$18

$26

How much do civil rights intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for civil rights intern in Boston, MA is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a civil rights intern do?

A Civil Rights Intern typically assists attorneys and advocates in researching legal issues, preparing case materials, and supporting investigations related to civil rights violations. Their tasks may include reviewing documents, conducting outreach, summarizing depositions, and helping organize events or educational programs. Interns gain exposure to laws and policies aimed at preventing discrimination and protecting individual rights, while also learning about the workings of organizations dedicated to civil rights. The role provides valuable experience for those interested in legal careers or social justice advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil rights intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Rights Intern, you typically need a background in political science, law, or related fields, strong research and writing abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to social justice. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is often required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are important soft skills for this position. These skills enable interns to effectively support legal teams, advocate for civil rights issues, and contribute meaningfully to casework and policy initiatives.

What is the difference between Civil Rights Intern vs Civil Rights Advocate?

AspectCivil Rights InternCivil Rights Advocate
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in law, social sciences, or related fieldsUsually experienced professionals with relevant education or background
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in nonprofit, government, or legal organizationsFull-time or part-time roles in advocacy groups, legal firms, or NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, government agencies, nonprofitsAdvocacy organizations, legal firms, community groups
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and internships in civil rightsLearning about professional roles in civil rights advocacy

The main difference is that a Civil Rights Intern is an entry-level position, often held by students or recent graduates gaining experience, while a Civil Rights Advocate is a more experienced professional actively working to promote and defend civil rights through legal, policy, or community work.

Civil Rights Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Intern job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Internship, 40% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,497 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Fall 2026 Racial Justice Intern

ACLU Massachusetts

Boston, MA • On-site

$18/hr

Internship

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary
The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is seeking an intern for the Fall of 2026 to join its Racial Justice Program (RJP) team. The RJP aims to preserve and extend civil rights and civil liberties for and to segments of the population who have historically been denied those rights on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin. The RJP intern will be responsible for research, writing, and policy advocacy support on a host of issues related to racial justice and the inequities facing people of color in the Commonwealth, including but not limited to voting rights, reproductive rights, criminal legal reform, LGBTQ+ and gender rights, and environmental justice-all with a lens toward racial equity.
This internship will run for 10-12 weeks, starting in early September, with a work schedule of 10-20 hours per week. This intern will report to ACLUM's Racial Justice Program Director and work with staff members across the organization, as assigned.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Essential Duties
  • Support ACLUM's racial justice efforts, public policy work, and advocacy campaigns through research, writing, and event support. Related activities may include participation in voter registration drives and public education events, as well as staffing ACLUM outreach tables at public events.
  • Collaborate with internal advocates, communicate with external stakeholders, and attend community meetings and events on ACLUM's behalf, as assigned.
  • Take notes at internal and external meetings, and report learnings to the Racial Justice Program Director and the broader Field team.

Job Qualifications
  • Applicants should be current college students who will have completed their first year of school before the internship commences.
  • Strong research, writing, and organizational skills required.
  • Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Creole, a plus.
  • Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and some familiarity with issues related to civil rights, civil liberties, and racial justice.
  • Comfort communicating in group settings strongly preferred.

Compensation
For students not also receiving school credit, this internship will pay $18 per hour. For students receiving school or work study credit, this internship will be unpaid.
About the ACLU of Massachusetts
The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) was founded in 1920 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that works to preserve and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Through strategies of litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism, we strengthen and expand public understanding of racial justice, juvenile justice, LGBTQ rights (including equal marriage), women's rights, criminal justice issues, equal opportunity, free speech and assembly, privacy rights, religious liberty, students' rights, voting rights, and reproductive rights.
ACLUM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and formerly incarcerated people to apply.
This position is based in Boston, MA and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person an average of three days per week, with the ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. Residency in Massachusetts or within a 60-mile radius of Boston in a contiguous New England state is required. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed a reasonable accommodation.

Apply