Jobs

Apply by Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Job Title: Communications Intern (unpaid)

Reports to: Senior Communications Manager

Eligibility: Must be in an enrolled academic program and be able to receive academic credit

Start date: Rolling start aligned with Summer 2026 Semester

Location: Hybrid - Washington, DC

About the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice

Every human, regardless of their circumstances, is entitled to respect, equality, fairness, and dignity before the law. Yet systems of justice so often discriminate, over-criminalize, and trap the most vulnerable people in destructive cycles of punishment and poverty.

The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) is an award-winning international nonprofit that works with companies to champion solutions that promote public safety, deliver justice, and strengthen communities. Founded in 2018, RBIJ works to advance change by:

1. Reforming Justice Systems. We help businesses use their leverage to move critical criminal
   justice reform initiatives in partnership with local leaders. RBIJ has supported legislative and
   executive reform efforts in half of the U.S. states and the U.K., across nearly a dozen policy
   areas including automatic record sealing (Clean Slate), occupational licensing reform, driver’s
   license reform, and more.

2. Restoring Opportunity. We empower companies to create employment opportunities for
   justice-impacted job seekers and those vulnerable to system involvement through meaningful
   reforms in recruitment and hiring policy, ensuring systemic change is translated into real-life
   impact.

3. Reframing Narratives. We build and entrench the narrative that justice reform and inclusive
   hiring aren’t just social causes — they’re smart business strategies.

About the Role

RBIJ is seeking a student intern to work alongside an international team in a hybrid work environment to support its engagement with the business community to advance the activities described above. The ideal candidates are dynamic and entrepreneurial, seeking to develop their interest and experience in criminal justice reform or corporate social responsibility through policy and advocacy efforts, strategic communications, and/or inclusive hiring practices.

Responsibilities

The Communications intern will gain valuable experience through the following supervised duties:

• Assist in drafting and producing video, graphics, and written content for RBIJ’s social media platforms.

• Assist with developing written content related to RBIJ's criminal justice reform campaigns and inclusive hiring programs, including media pitches, blog posts, and marketing emails.

• Assist in implementing RBIJ’s content calendar, ensuring it aligns strategically with campaign inflection points, program milestones, important events, key holidays, commemorations, and other significant dates.

• Assist with tracking and analyzing RBIJ’s earned media and digital engagement.

• Monitor news and developments related to RBIJ’s campaigns and issue areas.

• Support the creation and maintenance of targeted media lists for pitching, outreach, and relationship-building.

• Support communications-related research projects to support RBIJ’s narrative change and storytelling efforts.

• Assist with the day-to-day operations of the team, including tracking progress on various projects and deliverables.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must be able to satisfy school credit during the internship.

• Enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program (this internship will satisfy school credit). RBIJ will verify enrollment prior to start date.

• Demonstrated interest in criminal justice reform and/or increasing economic inclusion.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines and quick-turnaround deliverables.

• Entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to think creatively, be a self-starter.

• Ability to work on a distributed team in a remote environment.

• Candidates must have access to a personal laptop capable of running design and creative production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva Pro, or equivalent).

• Commitment to RBIJ’s mission and goals (available on our website here) is essential.
  

How to apply

To apply please submit (1) a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in RBIJ, its work, and the position, and (2) your resume (combined into one pdf) to: applications@rbij.org no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Candidates who perform well in preliminary interviews may be asked to submit a writing and/or work sample.

Compensation, benefits, and location

RBIJ is seeking an intern who will gain school credits for this role. RBIJ will work with the candidate and school/program to make appropriate arrangements and meet established requirements. This is an unpaid internship, with no benefits, and with no promise of employment following the conclusion of the internship.

RBIJ is an international organization with a hybrid work environment. Applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollment required).

RBIJ is a fiscally sponsored project of NEO Philanthropy.

RBIJ and NEO Philanthropy are an equal opportunity employer and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We especially encourage justice-involved individuals and those with family members impacted by the justice system to apply.

We respect and value a positive work-life balance and we strive to offer opportunities for growth and self-fulfillment while working with us.