Internship Disability Rights Jobs in Madison, WI

Introduction
Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of legal talent, and putting your organizational and communication skills to work in service of our agency's goals? The Wisconsin State Public Defenders office (SPD) is looking for a dedicated and organized professional to coordinate our internship program and serve as our agency's Recruitment, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator (Human Resources Specialist classification). This position will work part-time (minimum 20 hours per week), and take ownership of the SPD's internship program, ensuring that we build and sustain a robust pipeline of candidates. This position will also serve as the SPD's DEI coordinator, championing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to foster a representative and welcoming work environment.
Who We Are: The SPD's mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov .
Why Work With Us? At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their "whole self" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan here .
What We Do: SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the SPD is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, please click here .
Where We're Located: This position will be headquartered at our central administrative office at 17 South Fairchild St. in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Please note that our building does not have its own parking facilities.
Please note that this is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) opportunity with the SPD. The following rules apply to LTE employment in the State of Wisconsin:
- LTE positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to a permanent civil service classified position, and do not lead to permanent status.
- LTE positions are not eligible for the State of Wisconsin health insurance coverage, the Wisconsin Retirement System contributions, and do not received paid time off.
- Wisconsin residency is required for LTE positions.
- An LTE make work no more than 1039 hours in a 12-month period.
Position Summary
The Recruitment, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator provides professional support in the agency's efforts to recruit, develop and retain a talented workforce, and ensure that our working environment is one where all can feel welcome. This position will play a key role in the following:

• Own the internship recruitment pipeline by expanding fellowship opportunities, cultivating relationships with law schools, and spearheading collegiate outreach.
• Use various tools and technologies including Google Workspace, spreadsheets and online forms to meticulously track all internship requests, and coordinate interview scheduling.
• Collaborate closely with Division leadership to ensure a seamless and efficient intern recruitment process, with a focus on continuously improving the program.
• Communicate professionally both orally and in writing with candidates to provide information on our internship program, interview scheduling and assisting them with the application process.
• Serve as the agency's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator, facilitating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), contributing to the agency newsletter, and ensuring that the agency follows the goals set forth in the DEI Plan.

Salary Information
Starting salary will be between $31.00-$35.00 per hour.
Job Details
Background Check: We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.
Eligibility to work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for the application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Qualifications
Please address your experience with the qualifications listed below in your cover letter and resume.
Minimum Qualifications:

1. Professional work experience collecting and tracking data using a variety of tools (e.g., spreadsheets, online forms, databases, etc.)
2. Professional work experience coordinating and scheduling appointments, events, meetings, calendars, etc.
3. Professional work experience communicating with clients and/or customers using various methods (e.g., email, phone, in-person, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications :

1. Experience performing recruitment and/or staffing activities (e.g., experience as a recruiter, staffing specialist, HR specialist/generalist/business partner, or similar role)
2. Experience with developing and conducting targeted recruitment outreach to colleges, universities, non-profits or related organizations
3. Experience working with websites to update content
4. Experience working with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs or initiatives

How To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to HR Director Garth Maletic at maleticg@opd.wi.gov to be considered for this position. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply online is Thursday, July 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm . Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.