Priority consideration will be given to applications received by August 4, 2024

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust works to steward a diverse landscape that stretches 100 miles from the shores of Puget Sound across the Cascade Mountains to Central Washington. Designated a National Heritage Area in 2019, the Greenway encompasses 1.5 million acres (with 900,000 acres in public ownership), two million people, 28 cities, three major river systems, and two Interstate highways. Its working lands support vast hay fields and grazing cattle to the east, evergreen timber to the west, and farms from organic produce to solar energy. Its protected alpine wilderness includes recovery corridors for wolves, grizzly bears, and other species once hunted to regional extinction. Its expansive access to nature, including 1,600 miles of trails, is the heart of Washington’s $20 billion outdoor recreation economy.

Vast natural resources, the nation’s 15th largest metropolitan area, and many competing interests create the potential for conflicts. Navigating these conflicts, with the goal of conserving that precarious balance between natural and built environments, is the founding and enduring purpose of the Greenway Trust.

An early pioneer of what is now known as “collective impact,” the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust was founded on the belief that to grow in harmony with nature instead of consuming it, the full community must be engaged. The goal of conserving this region’s wild and green character brought together the spheres of government, industry, and private nonprofit organizations for the first time. Collaboration, compromise, and common good were the rules of engagement. We are proud to say that, three decades later, they still are.

Job Description:

The Communications Intern is a valued member of the Greenway Trust’s communications team, supporting the Communications Manager and Coordinator to carry out a wide range of promotional needs for the organization while learning through hands-on projects and experiences out in the Greenway NHA.  The Communications team collaborates with both internal and external colleagues to promote the work of the Greenway Trust and its partners. This includes spotlighting the organization’s work with land conservation, environmental education, habitat restoration, and sustainable recreation, as well as sharing visitor-focused content to help people learn and connect with the landscape.  

This is an exciting position for someone who loves nature, environmental conservation, promoting equitable access to the outdoors, and/or learning about the history of our region! The Communications Intern will hone a well-rounded set of skills in communications and marketing, with the opportunity to balance computer time with some time out in the Greenway NHA for special projects. The Intern will also have the opportunity to connect with other professionals in multiple industries, such as Greenway Trust board members, land management agencies, other nonprofit organizations, museums, historical societies, and tourism organizations.  

Responsibilities:

• Content Development: Research, write, edit, and publish blog content, project overviews, and guides/itineraries.  
• Graphic Design: Create and update flyers, infographics, fact sheets, social media graphics, etc. using Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite. 
• Photos/Videos: Travel to Greenway NHA sites to capture photos and videos, and assist with uploading, organizing, and storing assets in a digital library (Pics.io).  
• Email Marketing: Write, design, and send emails via Campaign Monitor. 
• Website: Make updates to the Greenway Trust website using Word Press.  
• Public Relations: Work with the Communications Manager and outside PR consultant to draft press releases, respond to questions from reporters, track media coverage, and prepare photo collections. 
• Social Media: Collaborate with Communications Coordinator to contribute ideas, as well as write and post social media content. 
• Events: Assist with event promotion, collateral needs, and day-of support.  
• Fundraising: Support the fundraising team for special campaigns such as Holiday Giving, Giving Tuesday, etc.  

The responsibilities summarized above are typical functions of the job. The mix of specific responsibilities for this position will be determined based on organizational needs and individual aptitude. The intern may sometimes be asked to perform tasks not on the list above and will have the opportunity to work with their supervisor to identify special projects based on interests and learning goals. The Communications Intern will receive training and support for specific tools and programs necessary for the job. 

Qualifications:

The successful candidate is excited to learn about the many different responsibilities and project types that are part of being on a small communications team. They are willing to learn new tools and platforms and have a curiosity to explore many different topics and places within the Greenway NHA. Candidates should be able to share how they’ve demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their personal life, schoolwork, or activities. Every Greenway Trust employee is expected to play an active part in carrying out our commitment to DEI within our organization and beyond.   

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Good eye for design and layout, with ability to complete basic graphic design projects. 
• Ability to use or learn to use programs common in a modern work environment, such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat. 
• Confidence to meet and speak with professionals inside and outside the organization via phone, Zoom, or in person at locations throughout the Greenway NHA. 
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward work. 

Education: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited educational program such as Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related area of study, as well as other applicants who feel they possess the necessary qualifications for the role.

Salary & Benefits: Compensation for this role is $21-$22/hour dependent on level of experience/education. The Communications Intern will accrue Paid Time Off at a rate of 1.5 hours per 40 hours worked.

Reports to: Communications Manager

Work Schedule: The Communications Intern is a part-time, temporary position. This position is for the 2024-2025 academic year (projected: early October 2024 through June 30, 2025). 

During school sessions, work hours will be scheduled to complement class schedules (10-20 hours per week). The internship opportunity may permit up to 32 hours per week during breaks if desired. Work is normally performed between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday unless otherwise arranged with your supervisor. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required for special events. 

Work Location: This position is based at the Greenway Trust’s Seattle office (2701 First Ave, Suite 240, Seattle, WA 98121). This position will also require occasional visits to the field within the Greenway NHA. The Greenway Trust has adopted a hybrid work model in which each employee works with their supervisor to set a schedule of in-office and remote work based on job responsibilities, meeting and event schedules, and other responsibilities. It is anticipated that the Communications Intern will meet with the rest of the communications team in-person in Seattle one day per week.  

Work Equipment: The Greenway Trust will provide a laptop computer and cell phone. The Communications Intern must have access to a personal vehicle or alternative transportation when needed for travel. While employees are allowed to work remotely, the Greenway Trust does not reimburse for expenses such as internet or home office setups.   

How to Apply: Please send the following to apply@mtsgreenway.org and include Communications Intern in the subject line: 

• College/university’s unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required at time of hire), if applicable 
• Cover letter describing your interest in this internship; any specific experiences or skills that you think are relevant and valuable for this position; and an example of how you’ve incorporated principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in your personal or professional life (not to exceed two pages) 
• Resume clearly identifying how you meet qualifications and summarizing your educational progress and plans, any work experience, and any other training, experiences, or activities that you think are relevant to this position 
• Two project examples that are relevant to this role – school, work, and personal projects are all welcomed 

Finalists will be asked to provide two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

About the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

Mission:

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance the landscape of the Mountains to Sound Greenway, ensuring a long-term balance between people and nature. 

Vision:

The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area is an iconic 1.5-million-acre landscape that connects Central Washington, the Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound. The Greenway promotes a healthy and sustainable relationship between people and the land by preserving a balance between built and natural environments. The Greenway landscape provides places for nature and wildlife, for culture and tradition, for outdoor recreation and education, for working forests and local agricultural production, while embracing vibrant urban areas. The Greenway is valued by a broad cross-section of society, working together as an effective coalition to conserve this place and its heritage for future generations. 

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust exists to serve as the agent of our community’s collective will to care for the lands and waters that are so foundational to the quality of life here in this place. The Greenway Trust is a beacon for optimism and a model for how things can be accomplished when we come together under shared purpose in an otherwise politically and socio-economically polarized world. The Greenway Trust provides the “table” for collaboration and serves as the glue that combines resources and expertise from across the community to do good for this place. This is reflected in our large and diverse Board of Directors and in the varied backgrounds of the Greenway Trust’s stakeholders. The Greenway Trust, at its essence, is a coalition consisting of nonprofit organizations, businesses, public agencies, community groups, recreational organizations, local governments, and passionate volunteers, working together on a common objective: to protect and preserve the precious natural heritage that is the Mountains to Sound Greenway. The work of the Greenway Trust benefits each of the millions of people who live in or regularly visit the Greenway each year. Even for those who do not actively use its hundreds of trails, rivers, or parks, the Greenway brings enormous benefit to residents. Its forests clean the air they breathe, its rivers provide the cleanest drinking water in the nation, and its connected natural lands promote a thriving ecosystem.

Values:

• Inclusive: We engage, listen to, and learn from people with diverse perspectives and experiences. We challenge ourselves to reflect our diverse and changing communities.
• Collaborative: We accomplish more when we work in partnership with others. We celebrate the accomplishments of our partners.
• Trusted: We demonstrate integrity through our actions and build long-term relationships based on mutual respect. We deliver on what we promise and strive to exceed expectations.
• Positive: We seek common ground. We stay focused on the promise of our long-term vision for the Greenway, even when challenges are great. We search for the “yes.” We enjoy each other’s company.
• Pragmatic: We seek actionable solutions that steadily advance our long-term vision and achieve greater good.
• Impactful: We are creative problem solvers who focus on achieving tangible results. We take a holistic view that considers how parts fit together.

Equal Opportunity Provider: The Greenway Trust is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, genetic information, use of a service animal, honorably discharged veteran, military status, political ideology, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Each person is evaluated on the basis of personal aptitude and merit. 

https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-internship/18efb5149dff4de0a5d7e20853b39e71-communications-intern-mountains-to-sound-greenway-trust-seattle?utm_source=symplicity&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=listings-api