2026 Policy Intern
Policy Operations Intern (Summer 2026)
ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 4,000 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Policy Operations Intern provides support for the day-to-day functions of our Policy Department, reporting directly to the Policy Administrator. While the department focuses on advancing legislation and advocacy efforts related to wrongful convictions, this role is primarily operations-driven, providing critical logistical, administrative, and project management support to ensure our work runs efficiently and effectively. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to policy and advocacy work while developing strong skills in coordination, event planning, and organizational management. The intern will work closely with the Policy Administrator to help manage scheduling, internal communications, and process tracking.
A key component of this role involves supporting the planning and execution of the department's annual conference in Nashville and assisting with the department’s internal retreat. The intern will help coordinate vendors, manage timelines, and ensure smooth event execution. The Policy Intern may also support the broader team with additional analytical and administrative tasks as needed.
This position will be a 10-week paid internship with a maximum requirement of 40 hours per week. Duties will commence on Monday, June 1 and conclude on Friday, August 14.
All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.
We are interested in every qualified candidate that is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks independently in a fast-paced environment. This individual should be comfortable handling administrative responsibilities, including coordinating timelines, tracking details, and supporting event execution. Strong communicator who is clear, responsive, and authentic in their interactions with the ability to seek clarification when needed. Candidates who are reliable, adaptable, and thrive in an administrative-focused work environment will excel in this role.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
- Support the planning and execution of the department’s annual conference in Nashville, including vendor coordination, travel logistics, and on-site support
- Help in developing and updating presentations, reports, and internal databases.
- Assist in organizing the department’s internal retreat, including agenda planning, accommodations, and catering preparation
- Coordinate event timelines, manage checklists, and ensure deadlines are met
- Attend policy meetings to gain insight into legislative and advocacy efforts related to wrongful convictions
- Provide administrative support to the Policy Administrator and Policy Assistant as needed
- This role will require you to travel to Nashville from June 14th to June 17th 2026.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
- Hands-on experience in operations and nonprofit management
- Direct involvement in planning large-scale events and internal retreats
- Exposure to policy development and advocacy work
- Opportunity to work closely with leadership and contribute to high-impact initiatives
- Learn how to prepare all event-related tasks, which include, but not limited to, printouts, venue logistics before and during the event day, taking photos and check-in participants.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- General understanding of policy work
- Strong communication and organizational skills with keen attention to detail
- Excellent time management & organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects.
- Ability to work remotely using basic online programs, including gmail, Zoom, and Google Workspace.
- Interest in Policy, Operations, Nonprofit Management, Criminal Justice, Business administration as it relates to research and furthering the Innocence Projects mission
- Undergrad in business administration, public policy, communications, and other relevant disciplines
KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Creative thinker who can approach challenges with flexibility and fresh ideas
- Have direct experience with and understand people from different perspectives and backgrounds
- Strong sense of ethical responsibility and confidentiality
- Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
- Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness
- Must be able to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways
Benefits
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please visit Workable. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Attention to detail matters in this role. Please include the word "tulip" at the end of your cover letter to indicate you have read this posting in full. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.
**Applications for this position will be considered for one week until Friday, April 3rd, 6PM EST.**
SALARY
$19 per hour for undergraduate students and $21 per hour for postgraduate students