Richmond or Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

VA407

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

Do you have a keen interest in people and places-and ensuring that history tells the richest, most inclusive stories? Are you excited by the idea of uncovering stories of different peoples' experiences on the land, especially underrepresented communities? Are you curious, and do you have a passion for research, writing, and turning the results of your explorations into shareable stories? If so, our Marketing and Communications Team has an opportunity for you. This position will support the entire team and will work with TNC staff throughout Virginia.
Join TNC Virginia as a STEP Intern!
The goal of STEP is to create pathways for people seeking to gain experience with a conservation focused organization. We offer seasonal and short-term positions and internships in a range of disciplines across our Virginia Teams. With a focus on recruiting and developing a diverse staff, we strive to create an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed to participate in conservation.

All STEP interns will attend an orientation, professional development webinars, and one group field trip. Along the way, interns will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Nature Conservancy staff and partners.

Schedule: 35 hours/week for 10 weeks from May 29 - August 8, 2025. Requires flexibility and may include some early mornings and late afternoons.
Orientation: All interns are required to attend a two-day orientation in Charlottesville on May 28-29, 2025
Pay: $17.50/hour
Location: Richmond or Charlottesville, VA

Virginia's Marketing and Communications Team is looking for an intern to continue the work of our Lands and Lives project. This person will research selected places where TNC works, helping enhance our understanding of the experiences of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and other underrepresented communities on those lands. Collaborating with the team, the intern will have the opportunity to identify one or more personally meaningful topics to develop, from conducting initial research to potentially crafting a bylined piece suitable for TNC channels or external media. The intern will gain exposure to all facets of our marketing and communications work, which may include social media, auditing and editing online and print materials, developing media pitches, and exploring new partners to advance team efforts.
Main responsibilities include:

* Conduct research to identify/enrich stories about people's lives, past or present, in selected places where we work
* Collect and organize resources (documents, photos, etc.) uncovered during research
* Help integrate Lands and Lives throughout our marketing and communications portfolio

* Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (anticipated graduation 2025-2026) in the humanities or social sciences, including history, communications, journalism, political science, anthropology or related fields, or a recent graduate (2022-2024) with a degree in one of these fields or a related one
* Knowledge of/interest in conservation, history, environmental justice, or similar issues
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* Experience in research, writing, and editing
* Close attention to detail

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Coursework and/or exposure related to communications, history, and/or social/environmental justice
* Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of The Nature Conservancy by bringing multi-lingual, multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience with an ability to work together across differences and an understanding of the issues of human diversity, equity, and conservation.
* Self-starter, taking initiative, and demonstrating confidence to ask questions and seek input
* Strong organizational skills
* Access to a reliable internet connection
* Proficient with computer software such as word processing and interested in learning new technologies

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

To apply for job ID 56212 submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 23, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.