Job Description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and the DEI Manager, the Human Resources (HR) Intern will be responsible for providing day to day administrative support to the human resource team. This will include providing project support in one or more specialties across benefits, compensation, recruitment, employee relations, and learning and development. The incumbent will gain hands-on HRIS system experience and conduct research on a variety of HR related topics.    

 

Note: This internship is in-person at our New York City office.    

The HR intern will collaborate with the Benefits and Compensation Manager and Executive Assistant to identify opportunities to systematize and enhance our HRIS system, Paycom. 

This internship has the following learning goals and objectives listed below to understand how technology streamlines HR processes and enhances efficiency across the organization. 

• Document and map current HR processes in collaboration with the HR Generalist. 

• In partnership with the Benefits and Compensation Manager, review and outline current HRIS workflows with an eye on streamlining for greater efficiency.    

• Complete entries into HRIS system, Paycom, such as new employee records, benefits enrollments and other updates. 

• Provide general administrative, and clerical support for the HR Generalist, including updating online files   

• Research special projects as assigned    

• Opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on Brennan Center program work   

• Assist in the upkeep of an online rewards and recognition program   

• Support other initiatives in culture as needed   

• Perform other duties as assigned    

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have an interest in human resources and operate with a high-level of integrity, be someone who is an independent self-starter; detail-oriented; energetic; punctual; and highly organized. Interns must also have excellent research, writing, and analytical skills. Experience with HRIS system, Outlook, Windows, Microsoft Excel, a Microsoft Word. An intertest in technology, innovation, and digital tools is preferred, as this role may involve supporting tech-related HR initiatives and systems. Must be open to evolving responsibilities.   

We are dedicated to considering a diverse range of candidates, including those with various experiences and backgrounds. 

If you're unsure about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please express your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role  

 

This internship is only open to current undergraduate students. 

Hours: Approximately 10 - 20 hours per week   

Pay: $17.50 per hour    

Duration: September – December 2025  

Application Deadline: July 18, 2025   

Note: The Brennan Center will follow the rules of your school regarding internships. Therefore, if a school doesn’t allow you to do a paid internship for some reason (i.e., receiving credit, etc.), then your internship will not be paid. In addition, if you are participating in a formal school internship program that allows you to work more than our stated hours, we will make a determination based on our needs and further assessment of your school’s program.    

To Apply:
Please visit and upload (preferably in pdf) your (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) a list of contact details for three supervisor references. In your cover letter, please specify what interests you about this role.     
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested students to apply early, as the position will be filled once qualified candidates are found. No phone calls, please.    

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Human Resources Fall Internship” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Applying through our website is strongly preferred.   

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Work at office, 10 hours per week,

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