Win/Spr 2025 - Communications Internship
: Job Details :

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community of more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Job Description

RTC's Communications Department tells the story of the nation's trails, walking and bicycling movementinspiring activism, encouraging policy change and motivating people to be active outside on America's trails. Through social media (@railstotrails), online engagement (railstotrails.org), our quarterly magazine, news media and events, we engage with RTC's diverse audiencesincluding trail enthusiasts and those discovering the joy of trails for the first time, lawmakers, trail builders and partners nationwide.

This 12-week internship program begins in February 2025. Interns will have the flexibility to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule.

Job Location

This position is located in our Washington, D.C., National Headquarters with a hybrid work schedule (working 1-2 days per week in- office). Remote work is possible, but preference will be given to candidates available for a hybrid arrangement.

Job Duties

RTC is seeking a Communications Intern with organizational, research, and writing social media skills to support the activities of the Communications Department. Job duties will include:

• Supporting promotional efforts and partner and trail user engagement for Celebrate Trails Day, RTC's annual springtime celebration of America's trails, on April 26, 2025 (RailsToTrails.org/CelebrateTrails)
• Assisting with event coordination, including supporting shipping/fulfillment logistics, organizing and tracking materials, and light graphic-design tasks.
• Developing social media content and analyzing content performance on RTC's social media platforms.
• Collecting, cataloguing and securing permissions and rights to use photos and images for RTC's photo archive and publications.
• Compiling and cataloguing RTC media contacts, blog contacts and partners
• Researching potential topics and assisting in writing content for RTC articles, press releases and media alerts, social media, and blog. (railstotrails.org/trailblog)
• Other duties as assigned by the communications team

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory tasks assigned to this role.

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

RTC is seeking an undergraduate, graduate or a professional early in their career journey in a related field (communications, journalism, public relations or marketing preferred). Candidates should be task-oriented and highly organized and possess a strong interest in the topics of health, the environment, sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, pedestrian issues, bicycling or trails.

Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where we operate will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from CA, CO, DC, FL, MD, ME, MI, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level

Employer's Rights

RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC's business needs. This job description is by no means an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity

Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need reasonable accommodations because of a disability for any part of the interview process, please e-mail ...@railstotrails.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

Compensation details: 17.5-17.5 Hourly Wage

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