Fall application now closed
APPLICATION FOR NEXT COHORT (JANUARY-MAY 2027) TO OPEN IN FALL
CAIR-NJ offers internships to students on a biannual basis. Interns work closely with all staff and have opportunities to work on a range of projects. They also develop professional skills and become privy to the operations of civic advocacy, non-profit, and public service. CAIR-NJ is committed to offering meaningful internship experiences through dedicated supervision, mentorship, substantive duties, and networking opportunities.
All roles are for undergraduate students. First year students/Freshmen are not eligible. Interns must at least be entering their second year of study. Make sure to read all the details about the parameters of the internship below.
WHY INTERN AT CAIR-NJ?
Convert passion to action! CAIR-NJ takes on a wide array of projects and activities that seek to empower and cater to the needs of the Muslim American community of New Jersey. Interns receive hands-on experience and take leads on various projects including CAIR-NJ’s annual Muslim Day of Advocacy and Muslim Youth Leadership Intensive.
INTERNSHIP POSITIONS
Communications Intern:
- Works mainly with the Communications Department, drafting press releases, sending out newsletters, and other communications.
- Drafts copy and design assets for social media and fundraising content
- Perform research and media outreach as necessary.
- See more information and requirements for this role here.
Government Affairs Intern:
- Works mainly with the Government Affairs Department.
- Supports Public Affairs Director with important events like Muslim Hill Day, Days of Advocacy at Trenton, candidate forums, and more.
- Conducts relevant policy research to inform CAIR-NJ’s advocacy work.
- Assists with outreach to and meetings with elected officials.
Legal & Advocacy Intern:
- Works mainly with the Legal Department.
- Supports the Attorney(s) with case entry and follow-up communications.
- Maintains organized case records and assists with administrative and research tasks related to client matters.
- Assists with the execution of creative, non-legal advocacy measures for clients.
Operations & Programs Intern:
- Works mainly with Operations and Programs Departments.
- Plays a key role in planning office management, data, technology, and performs administrative tasks.
- Assists in organizing and executing CAIR-NJ‘s public events and educational programming.
- Supports the Operations Director to solve problems on a wide variety of office platforms and take lead on back-end office projects.
- Collaborates with team members to maintain organized files, schedules, and task tracking, ensuring smooth and efficient departmental operations.
- Must be able to dedicate some weekend and evening time for on-site support. Hours worked outside of business hours are compensated accordingly.
Qualifications
- Sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled at an accredited U.S. university.
- Detail-oriented and creative; work efficiently under less supervision by following instruction and being a self-starter.
- Eager and committed to serving the American Muslim community in New Jersey.
- Enthusiastic, optimistic, focused, and motivated.
- Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Friendly and outgoing (comfortable speaking in public is a plus).
- Demonstrate the ability to follow through on various on-going and newly assigned tasks.
- Demonstrate experience and/or aspirations relevant to the role of choice. More relevant experience is a plus.
- Experience interacting with the Muslim community is a plus.
- Must be passionate about community engagement.
- Communications applicants must have experience working with Canva for basic use or demonstrate a willingness to learn.
- Availability according to internship time blocks and ability to commit to the term.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
All applicants must apply through this page and complete the following requirements:
- 1-page resume
- 1-page cover letter that highlights your skills and experiences. Please specify the position for which you are applying and describe why this role matches your goals.
- Applicants can only apply for one position. Email info@nj.cair.com if you have questions.
- Most recent university transcript. It can be an unofficial version.
- Work samples – PDF FORMAT
All applicants must submit a writing sample. This may be a document, press release, blog post, writing assignment or anything the applicant believes demonstrates their skill and/or alignment. Applicants are welcome to submit a graphic design sample which may be an event flyer, a social media post, or a graphics portfolio.
INTERNSHIPS ARE PAID
All interns are paid a modest stipend to compensate for their time and hard work. While many nonprofit organizations do not offer or are unable to offer paid internships, CAIR-NJ prioritizes paid internships as a reflection of its commitment to equity, accessibility, and valuing the work and time of its interns. Interns may also receive academic credit or community service hours if arrangements are made between CAIR-NJ and the intern’s university. Interns are responsible for researching requirements and coordinating this effort.
TIMELINE
CAIR-NJ’s internship program is open throughout the year, and we accept applications on a rolling basis. Each session runs between the following months (with flexibility):
Spring: January – May
Start: End of January
End: May 30
Fall: Early August – December
Start: Beginning of August
End: December 18
Due to the high volume of applicants, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Interviews will begin before the application deadline.
SCHEDULING
Internships are part-time and hybrid. Interns are expected to be in the office 1-2 days a week, depending on scheduling. Interns must maintain a consistent 16-hour workweek between the hours of 9am-5pm through 4- and 8-hour blocks. Some flexibility on timing can be discussed. Fully remote internships are not offered.