This internship will be based in Philadelphia, PA and begin in the Fall of 2025. The hours and exact start and end dates are flexible to fit the intern’s academic calendar.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought. Please visit www.thefire.org to gain a sense of our work and mission.

Position Description

FIRE is looking for passionate, team-oriented, and driven undergraduates (rising juniors, and seniors) or graduate students attending colleges and universities in the United States. FIRE offers a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Working at the headquarters of a national nonprofit, the student will be immersed in the general functions of running the office while learning about civil liberties in higher education from professional free speech advocates.

Responsibilities

FIRE is seeking an energetic undergraduate intern to aid its Policy Reform program. The Policy Reform Intern’s responsibilities may include:

• Contributing research to FIRE’s Spotlight database of speech codes
• Assisting the Policy Reform Program Associate with reviewing news reports and social media for proposed policies, new policies, and policy revisions pertinent to FIRE’s mission
• Coordinating mailings to colleges regarding speech codes and other recommended reforms
• Performing surveys of particular policy topics to track trends and identify targets for reform
• Coordinating responses to inquiries from students and other members of the public regarding campus policies
• Performing general office duties, such as answering phones, managing inventory, and fielding the general FIRE inbox

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have:

• Interest in learning more about First Amendment principles
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for FIRE’s mission
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of First Amendment jurisprudence
• Previous experience working for a nonprofit
• Student leadership experience

FIRE’s office is located in Old City, Philadelphia. Commuters that live outside walking distance can easily access FIRE through SEPTA regional rail, subway, bus service, or PATCO rail service. Parking is also available in the area at a variety of lots and garages for between $15 and $30 a day.

The Policy Reform Intern will work in a standard office environment. To perform job responsibilities, the Legislative Intern will utilize personal computers, copy machines, and telephones. Some lifting of objects weighing up to 30 pounds may be required. On occasion, the Legislative Intern may be asked to perform errands which will involve walking to places within the immediate vicinity of the FIRE office.

Students will be evaluated at regular intervals. Highly successful candidates may be invited back for future intern experiences or may be offered a part-time position, however, further employment is not guaranteed.