Title: Community Engagement Intern
Organization: Equality Texas Foundation/Equality Texas Action
Reports to: Director, Community Engagement and Advocacy
Location: Austin, TX
Hours and Compensation: Hours are based on selected candidate’s availability. Applicants should be able to commit to 10 hours a week from January 11 – June 30, 2027 and hold a predetermined schedule to be agreed upon during onboarding. Interns will be paid $16/hr.

Candidates MUST LIVE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS and be able to commute to our Austin office.

THE POSITION:

Equality Texas is seeking an intern to join our field and advocacy team. This individual will work closely with the Director of Community Engagement and Advocacy to engage Equality Texans in advocacy to support our legislative priorities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Make calls to constituents who have expressed interest in testifying at the capitol – explain the process and help draft testimony if needed
Provide support to Field Team on projects to increase operational efficiency
Help plan and coordinate online and offline events like webinars and our bi-annual rally at the capitol
Track volunteer participation in events and coordinate any follow-up (thank you notes and emails)
Enter data into EveryAction and Casebook databases
Provide operational and administrative support during hearing days
Assist constituents to record their position on bills during hearing days
Participate in tabling events and trainings

CANDIDATE SKILL PROFILE/REQUIREMENTS:

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

Demonstrated commitment to achieving full legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ people in Texas
A strategic thinker with a focus on improving systems, coordinating efforts, using data to drive decision making, and an unwavering commitment to reaching goals
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
A proactive approach to problem solving with strong decision-making capability
A strong work ethic
Proficient in the use of PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
Able to commit to the full 6-months term
Able to build and maintain strong working relationships
Superior customer service
Models maturity and transparency
Strong writing skills
Reliable transportation with the ability to move equipment up to 40 lbs
Prior internship or volunteer experience preferred.

Learning Objectives:

Learn Equality Texas’s advocacy journey approach to creating change
Understand how to apply a relational approach to volunteer management
Learn how to empower others to engage in advocacy
Practice customer service skills to assist community members in obtaining the help they need through referrals
Understand the culture of a nonprofit organization.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Equality Texas envisions a Texas where all LGBTQ+ people and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of their fellow Texans and in all areas of the law. Headquartered in Austin, Equality Texas is dedicated to securing full legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration. With tens of thousands of members across the state, Equality Texas is the state’s leading state-wide organizing and advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ Texans.

Equality Texas is comprised of two nonprofit organizations:

Equality Texas Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides educational programming on LGBTQ+ issues and conducts campaigns to build public support for equal rights, and

Equality Texas Action, a 501(c)4 organization that conducts direct lobbying and advocacy efforts to advance pro-LGBTQ+ legislation and candidates and to defeat anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Each organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, who represent a cross-section of LGBTQ community, business, and philanthropic leaders and allies.

Equality Texas encourages people of all identities to apply. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing how your experience prepares you to assume the responsibilities and expectations of the Community Engagement Intern role at Equality Texas by December 11, 2026. Interviews will be held in early January.