Digital Communications – Social Media Intern, Spring 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.
Since its founding in 1986, PHR has built a distinguished record through groundbreaking investigations of attacks on civilians and health care, the use of torture and sexual violence in conflict, the treatment of asylum seekers, and other human rights crises around the world.
Location: Remote, or hybrid in New York, NY
Reports to: Deputy Director of Digital Communications and Development
Internship Description
The Digital Communications – Social Media Internship is ideal for a student seeking hands-on experience managing social media for a fast-paced nonprofit advocacy organization. The intern will play an integral role on PHR’s digital communications team, helping to shape PHR’s storytelling across X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube with an emphasis on content creation, platform monitoring, audience engagement, graphics and video production, and scheduling.
This internship is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about social media, digital advocacy, and creative communication. The intern will participate in department meetings, staff meetings, and intern learning sessions, complemented by PHR-provided career mentoring.
PHR offers stipends to student interns. Details will be provided during interviews.
Duties and Responsibilities
Social Media Content + Strategy
- Create daily and weekly content for PHR’s social channels (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube)
- Draft and schedule posts using PHR’s social media content calendar
- Draft rapid-response content, including posts and replies to key audiences, supporters, and partner organizations
- Assist in shaping PHR’s social media voice and messaging around major campaigns and human rights emergencies
Graphics + Video Production
- Design social graphics, carousels, and simple animations using Canva (experience required)
- Edit short-form videos for Instagram Reels, YouTube, and other platforms using Canva or basic editing tools
- Support accessibility by adding subtitles or transcripts to videos
- Help record and prepare short video clips from staff, partners, or experts
Monitoring + Engagement
- Monitor daily activity on PHR’s social platforms, flagging trends, mentions, breaking news, and engagement opportunities
- Track trending hashtags, human rights stories, and platform best practices
- Assist with responding to comments and community engagement, following PHR guidelines.
Digital Organization + Reporting
- Help maintain and organize PHR’s digital asset libraries (graphics, b-roll, archival footage, templates)
- Track analytics across platforms and help prepare performance reports
- Coordinate with the digital team to support email, website, and campaign needs as relevant
Qualifications and Experience
Required
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in communications, digital media, marketing, journalism, video production, or a related field
- Strong interest in social media marketing and digital storytelling
- Experience using major social media platforms, especially X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
- Experience using Canva, including graphic design basics and simple video editing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage projects from start to finish
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse, international team
- Mature judgment, discretion, and the ability to work independently
Preferred
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator)
- Experience with content scheduling tools like Sprout is a plus
- Comfort drafting scripts or storyboards for short digital videos
Location and Hours
- Remote or hybrid in New York, with some in-office time in Midtown Manhattan for hybrid interns
- Applications from candidates located out of state are welcome
- Hours are flexible to accommodate academic schedules
- Internship begins in February with a minimum 15 hours per week commitment
How to Apply
Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio or sample of social media posts that you have created to resumes@phr.org. Include “Digital Communications – Social Media Intern, Spring 2026” in the subject line. In your cover letter, note the number of weekly hours you can commit.