Join FIRE's Team

This role regularly collaborates with colleagues across departments on general duties and specialized projects. Travel is minimal. Occasional evening and weekend work should be expected. The expected start date is as soon as possible.QualificationsA successful candidate is entrepreneurial, organized, creative, and able to combine independent judgment with collaborative teamwork.  They must also have a strong understanding of — and genuine passion for — FIRE’s mission.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

FIRE is looking for passionate, team-oriented, and driven undergraduates (rising juniors, and seniors) or graduate students attending colleges and universities in the United States. FIRE offers a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Working at the headquarters of a national nonprofit, the student will be immersed in the general functions of running the office while learning about civil liberties in higher education from professional free speech advocates.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

This internship will be based in Philadelphia, PA, and begin in the spring of 2026. The hours and exact start and end dates are flexible to fit the intern’s academic calendar. 

This position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C. and follows a hybrid work schedule that combines in-office and remote workdays for eligible employees. Exceptional candidates will be considered for remote work.

Can't find a job that matches your skill set? Submit your application and we'll keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Interested in a position at FIRE and have a JD? FIRE is always seeking those who have legal experience and are passionate about our mission to join the team. Apply here and we can keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Free Speech Forum Head CounselorThis position will be based in Washington, D.C. from Friday, June 19 (arrive by 4:00 p.m.) to Saturday, June 27, 2026 (depart after 2:00 p.m.), to support FIRE’s Free Speech Forum. Lead Counselors must also complete four hours of remote training beforehand and attend a mandatory in-person training June 19–20, 2026.About FIRE The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides means to preserve them.Position Summary Free Speech Forum head counselors are experienced residential leaders and mentors who support, supervise, and guide the Forum’s counselor team while ensuring the overall success of the program. They serve as the bridge between counselors and camp leadership, providing hands-on management, monitoring student and staff needs, and coordinating logistics to maintain a safe, positive, and mission-driven environment.Lead counselors ensure smooth day-to-day operations, maintain participant safety and engagement, support counselor development, and foster a community aligned with FIRE’s mission. They are also responsible for assisting with emergency response, overnight supervision rotations, and residence hall management.This is an intensive, fully residential role requiring full-time commitment from Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 2026, including evenings and weekends. Lead counselors will live on campus at American University with the participants and counselor team.The lead counselor reports to the vice president of Student Development and works closely with attendees, FIRE staff, and counselor team. Duties include, but are not limited to:Leadership & Supervision

Free Speech Forum CounselorThis position will be based in Washington, D.C. from Friday, June 19 (arrive by 4:00 p.m.) to Saturday, June 27, 2026 (depart after 2:00 p.m.), to support FIRE’s Free Speech Forum. Lead Counselors must also complete four hours of remote training beforehand and attend a mandatory in-person training June 19–20, 2026.About FIRE The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them. Position Summary Free Speech Forum counselors are residential counselors, program facilitators, and mentors who provide guidance and support during the FIRE Free Speech Forum, a free, one-week educational summer camp for rising 10th to 12th graders. Counselors play a key role in supervising and mentoring participants, facilitating educational activities centered around free speech, and ensuring a positive and engaging learning environment. They collaborate with other site staff to monitor students' well-being, ensuring their health, safety, and security throughout the program. Counselors deliver a high-quality, supportive experience that aligns with FIRE's mission and values.This is an intensive, fully residential role requiring full-time commitment from Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 27, 2026, including evenings and weekends. Counselors will live on campus at American University with the participants and counselor team.The Free Speech forum counselors will report to the vice president of Student Development and work closely with attendees, FIRE staff, and the counselor team. Duties include, but are not limited to:Residential Support & Supervision

FIRE is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Graduate Summer Research Associate to join our Research team for summer 2026. This full-time, 10-week paid position ($8000 stipend) is based at FIRE’s Philadelphia office and offers an unparalleled opportunity for graduate students interested in research on freedom of expression, academic freedom, and related issues. 

FIRE’s Summer Legal Internship provides law students with an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the nation’s leading defender of free expression. This 10-week, paid program offers an $8,000 stipend and runs from June through August. Legal interns work from FIRE’s Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. offices, contributing directly to advocacy and policy projects that shape the national conversation on free speech.

FIRE’s 10-week, paid summer internship offers undergraduate students a hands-on opportunity to defend civil liberties on campuses nationwide. As part of our broader mission to educate and empower the next generation of First Amendment advocates, interns gain real-world experience, individualized mentorship, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to FIRE’s work protecting student rights.