For over 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based, civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it’s working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is working towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious and racial minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan, civil rights nonprofit with nearly 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers that operates on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from grants, private foundations, and individual donors. We receive no funding from any government agencies.

We strive to do this work with integrity (sach), selflessness (seva) and with the lasting belief that our shared work holds a greater purpose (sangarsh). We will relentlessly pursue our goals while putting the community and these values first.

For more information please visit www.sikhcoalition.org

Position Summary: The Sikh Coalition is seeking a creative and dynamic intern to work with our Media and Communications staff on projects aimed at enhancing the way we communicate to reporters, community members, and everyone in between. An ideal candidate will possess skills and background in more than one of these areas: digital/social media, basic graphic design, video work, journalism, and public relations. This candidate must be a strong writer and have a good sense of humor.

The internship will be managed by the Media and Communications Director, who will be sharing project management responsibilities on a variety of projects that you will be working on. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in getting a real tutorial in how an organization manages media and communications work across numerous platforms in addition to the hands-on experience in a non-profit setting that helps empower and educate the broader American public.

Responsibilities include:

• Support social media content and strategy aimed at engaging key stakeholders.
• Research and manage press list development and updates.
• Track press coverage.
• Make pitch calls to various news outlets.
• Support the drafting of original press content (press fact sheets, advisories, pitches).
• Help maintain the organization’s website and online presence.
• Assist in marketing and promotional activities.
• Assist in designing graphics and Sikh Coalition online resources.
• Conduct various research projects in support of communications and programmatic goals.

Qualifications: The Sikh Coalition is looking for passionate individuals dedicated to protecting and advocating for the civil and human rights of all individuals. Qualifications include:

• Communications, public relations, or journalism background.
• A high level of attention to detail and organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including interviewing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in a wide range of social media platforms.
• Knowledge of the Sikh Coalition’s mission and previous initiatives.
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign (preferred).
• Proficiency in iMovie or other video editing software (preferred).
• Applicants should either be pursuing or have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Accepted interns are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks during the summer. The office is located in New York City. However, this internship is a remote position. Laptops and equipment will not be provided, however summer interns will receive a $1,000 stipend. This is in addition to any funding an intern may receive from external sources, including their respective schools. Applicants must be in the United States. 

To Apply: Please apply online with a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis between now and April 15, 2025.