JOB TITLE: Communications Intern

　　CLASSIFICATION: Intern

　　STIPEND: $800 per week

　　FLSA: Non-Exempt, Temporary Full-Time

　　DEPARTMENT: Communications

　　LOCATION: Washington, DC

　　TIMEFRAME: June 3rd – August 9th 2024

　　LAST REVISED: January 2024

　　POSITION SUMMARY

　　Defenders of Wildlife’s 10-week summer internship program will provide interns with in-depth exposure to Defenders’ conservation work, the opportunity to acquire specific skills needed to pursue their professional goals, the opportunity to engage in hands-on research/projects in their field of study, and the opportunity to build professional networks. The program will also provide students with cross-disciplinary exposure, one-to-one mentor matching, and peer-to-peer support. Defenders strongly encourages students from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds to apply.

　　As a part of this program, the Communications department offers internships to select communications (inclusive of fields of public relations, multi-media) students with a commitment to or demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and environmental public interest and advocacy. This position is designed to provide a wide range of communications, programmatic, and administrative experience relating to conservation issues of national significance. The internship program covers a wide range of environmental issues from endangered species to federal lands management and is a terrific opportunity for communications students dedicated to or interested in career of wildlife conservation advocacy.

　　Interns will provide research, writing and production support for our communications and multi-media projects. A typical project will involve research of a relevant programmatic issue and result in the production of press releases, blogs, social media tool-kits and posts. Additionally, the successful candidate will assist with the organization, creation and optimization of multimedia materials – including photos and creating videos, thumbnails, caption files, transcripts, logging, and organizing and archiving still and motion media.

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Education: Current undergraduate student, preferably rising junior or senior, at an accredited 2 or 4-year institution.

　　Experience: Commitment to or demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, multi-media with a focus on wildlife conservation and public interest environmental work; commitment to or demonstrated interest in broadening the inclusion of multicultural and/or marginalized communities in the conservation movement.

　　Requirements:

　　Must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

　　Must be at least 18 years of age

　　Must be able to commit to the full 10-week term of the program

　　Strong writing, research, and verbal communication skills

　　Application Materials:

　　CV or resume

　　Cover letter of no more than 500 words addressing your contributions to, experiences with, or education in the field of communications, public relations and/or multimedia and the cross-section of conservation and or environmental public interest campaigns. Example topics include but are not limited to: (1) contributions you have made to strengthen communications within your professional/school or personal spheres; or (2) a description of your experiences with or education about communications, public relations or multi-media issues and how they have shaped your personal growth and/or your interest in the conservation and/or environmental issues.

　　A separate statement of no more than 250 words addressing your contributions to, experiences with, or education about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Example topics include, but are not limited to: (1) contributions you have made to strengthen DEIJ at your school or in your community; or (2) a description of your experiences with or education about DEIJ-related issues and how they have shaped your personal growth and/or your interest in environmental/wildlife conservation. Defenders’ definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are as follows:

　　Diversity is the presence of human differences within a group, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability and age; and acknowledging and respecting the resulting diversity of ideas, strengths and perspectives that are contributed.

　　Equity is the identification and promotion of systems and practices that advance fair and equal treatment, access and opportunity for all, particularly members of underrepresented or marginalized groups. Equitable systems and practices lead to equality.

　　inclusion is the commitment to a safe and respectful environment where people feel welcomed, supported and valued. Differences are welcomed and underrepresented voices are actively sought out to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and considered.

　　Justice is dismantling societal barriers to access, resources and opportunities by connecting conservation and biodiversity issues with the needs and concerns of impacted communities.

　　Physical Activities and Demands:

　　Routine activities and demands include sitting, standing, carrying boxes and/or other materials and equipment as needed or directed.

　　Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

　　All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

　　Defenders requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

　　Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

　　Please be advised this position is NON-union eligible.