Digital Communications Intern
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking an undergraduate student to serve as the Digital Communications Intern in our Chapel Hill, NC office. This individual will join our Digital Communications team and report to our Digital Content and Strategy Manager. The Digital Communications Intern will assist with day-to-day digital communications needs including social media, news feed, and advocacy campaigns to help strategically communicate our programmatic work to our online audiences. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.
This is a part-time, temporary, and non-exempt position available to current undergraduate students (please note this is not a post-graduate internship). The Digital Communications Intern will work primarily in-office with some opportunity to work remotely, and the internship will last approximately from mid-May 2026 through mid-August 2026.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist with day-to-day social media needs.
- Draft social content and coordinate approvals.
- Monitor earned media for social content.
- Design graphics in Canva using templates from our design team.
- Assist in managing social media calendar and scheduling using Sprout Social.
- Research social media and other digital trends related to SELC’s work for strategic planning use.
- Help compile, analyze, and create reports using digital data.
- Create and edit blog content.
- Comfortable using basic data analytics.
- Assist with digital advocacy campaigns as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Authorization to legally work in the United States without sponsorship from an employer.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Proven ability to collaborate and engage effectively with peers and managers.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
- Attention to detail.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced work environment.
- Able to receive and implement feedback.
- Ability to provide feedback on website content, social media copy, designs, and digital strategy.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Enthusiasm and interest in environmental communications.
- Experience with Microsoft Word.
Desired Qualifications:
- Major and/or concentration in Writing, Journalism, English, Communications, Digital Media, or similar are preferred.
- Experience with Canva or other design programs.
- Experience with social media management platforms (Sprout Social, Hootsuite).
- A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.
About SELC:
The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.
At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.selc.org/.
Internship Information:
- Duration: 10 -12 weeks
-
Hours: 16 – 24 hours per week
- Strong preference for availability on Monday and Tuesday.
- Eligibility: Active student opportunity only (not a post-graduate internship)
- Timeframe: Summer 2026 (approximately mid-May through mid-August)
- Compensation: $16.00/hour
- Location: SELC Chapel Hill Office – 136 E Rosemary St, #500 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Application Deadline: Friday, February 20th, 2026, 11:59 pm EST.
- Application Materials: Resume, cover letter, professional and/or academic references, and writing sample required with application submission.
To Apply:
To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, professional and/or academic references, and writing sample. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is February 20th, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.
SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.