Digital Communications Intern (Fall 2026)

americanrivers; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; Full time

Job description

Job Title: Digital Communications Intern (Fall 2026)

Position Classification: Internship (Part-Time, Temporary)

Salary Band: Unpaid, Internship subsidy available (up to $500/year)

Reports To: Online Communications Manager

Location: Virtual (United States-based)

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary

The Digital Communications Intern will support the American Rivers Digital Team’s day-to-day communications initiatives, with a primary focus on social media and digital engagement. This internship offers hands‑off experience creating content for a national environmental nonprofit, including assisting with graphics, video editing, blogs, and social media engagement across American Rivers’ digital platforms. The role is ideal for a student interested in nonprofit communications, digital storytelling, and environmental advocacy who is eager to develop professional skills in content creation, audience engagement, and multimedia communications.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the creation of graphics, short‑form videos, and other engagement‑focused digital content.
• Assist with video editing for social media campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and organizational communications.
• Help draft and edit blogs, captions, and other digital communications materials.
• Monitor social media channels for comments, messages, and engagement opportunities, escalating questions or concerns as needed.
• Support the Digital Team with analytics tracking.
• Attend and participate in greater marketing and communications team meetings.
• Support additional communications and digital engagement projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current college student pursuing a degree, preferably in communications, marketing, digital media, earth science, environmental science/studies, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in digital communications, social media, and environmental advocacy.
• Experience with video editing software and creating short‑form digital content for social media platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital tools such as Zoom, Slack, Sprout, WordPress, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced setting.
• Remote (United States-based)

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

This unpaid internship includes a modest subsidy (up to $500/year). The role is part‑time (approximately 10‑15 hours per week) and runs from August 24, 2026 – December 18, 2026 with an opportunity to start earlier if applicable.

Community and Opportunity

At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where interns feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

Interns will gain:

• Mentorship from experienced communications professionals.
• Networking opportunities with communications staff, the digital team, and various Communities of Practice.
• Opportunities to showcase their work through published blogs, social media posts, all staff brown bag presentations, and other deliverables.

Accessibility and Accommodations

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202‑243‑7040 or [e-mail]. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.