Digital Communications Intern, Summer 2026
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.
Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Digital Communications Intern.
Location: New York, New York (hybrid)
Reports to: Digital Communications Manager/ Director of Digital Marketing
Organizational Overview
Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.
PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.
Internship Description
The digital communications internship is ideal for a student seeking a hands-on opportunity to work on digital storytelling, website strategy, social media creative and graphic design in a nonprofit setting. The intern will work as an integral part of PHR’s digital team to help spread awareness of PHR’s efforts to document and prevent human rights abuses around the world.
The digital communications intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.
PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Create content for PHR’s social media accounts on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Help maintain PHR’s social media calendar to plan out content for each week and month
- Assist with digital communications outreach and engagement across social, web, and email
- Monitor digital platforms and track relevant news stories, as well as trending hashtags and topics
- Design graphics and edit or transcribe videos using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud
- Assist in data maintenance and digital marketing research as needed
- Track and report on PHR’s social media analytics
Qualifications and Experience
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study specializing in digital media, communications, marketing, or other relevant major
- Interest in digital and social media storytelling in a nonprofit setting
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Experience with (or interest in learning) social media platforms
- Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to facilitate a project from start to finish
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally
- Mature judgment, confidentiality, and capacity to work independently
- Not afraid to take initiative and suggest ideas
Location and Hours
- The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
- We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
- Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
- The internship will commence in June with at least a 12-week commitment.
How to Apply
Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to resumes@phr.org. Include “Digital Communications Intern, Summer 2026” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.