Social Justice–Focused Field Research Internship – Fall 2026 in Newark, New Jersey at New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

Social Justice–Focused Field Research Internship – For Graduate Students

Fall 2026

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Newark, NJ

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice seeks dedicated, highly qualified graduate students for fall 2026 internships.

Established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein, the Institute’s cutting-edge racial and social justice advocacy seeks to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power—from the ground up—in New Jersey.

Known for our dynamic and independent advocacy aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant and healthy communities, we are committed to exposing and repairing the cracks of structural racism in our foundation that erupt into earthquakes in communities of color.

The Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation.

The Institute’s programmatic focus rests upon four interconnected pillars:

1. Economic Justice

2. Criminal Justice Reform

3. Democracy and Justice

4. Environmental Justice

Internship Summary

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) is seeking highly motivated interns to support our research. The interns will conduct field-based research, engage directly with community partners, and contribute to the Institute’s broader equity and justice initiatives. This internship is ideal for students interested in racial justice, policy reform, historical research, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel to county clerks’ offices across New Jersey to identify, access, review, and copy property deeds containing racially restrictive covenants. Ability to travel to South Jersey is a plus.

• Conduct research on the history, prevalence, and use of racially restrictive covenants in New Jersey, including identifying trends, municipalities, developers, and time periods for deeper investigation.

• Identify and engage with community groups (historical societies, advocacy organizations, libraries, etc.) that may have relevant materials or interest in supporting this work.

• Assist with data collection and documentation, ensuring records are organized, complete, and easy to analyze.

Required Qualifications

• Based in or able to frequently travel different parts of the state

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive historical documents.

• Professional communication skills, especially when interacting with county clerks, public officials, and community partners.

• Commitment to racial equity, justice, and the mission of the Institute.

Compensation/Hours:

The intern will work approximately 120 hours over the semester (14 weeks), depending on organizational needs and their availability. The internship will last about 14 weeks and will follow a hybrid schedule (primarily remote with some in-office/field hours). The position pays $20 per hour.

Application Process:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, two professional writing samples (demonstrating different styles) for which you are the primary author, and three professional references (full name, job title, phone number, and email address). Attach all required documents to this job posting.

For inquiries, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@njisj.org, ensuring that you reference the specific position in your email.

Interning in Newark

For individuals who are looking to gain substantive skills and develop their professional networks while advancing social justice, Newark is a great place to be. It is less than 30 minutes by train from Manhattan, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Montclair. Newark itself is galvanized by its young and dynamic local leadership and boasts an admirable and effective spirit of collaboration among nonprofit organizations, law firms, and local government officials. The Spring Intern Program at the Institute is hybrid, consisting of in-office and remote work. Spring interns will also have the opportunity to attend in-person events over the course of their time at the Institute.

***The NJISJ is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.***