Communications and Special Projects Internship

The Communications and Special Projects Internship offers a dynamic opportunity for individuals interested to learn about international conservation, science communications, cross-cultural communications, and strategic outreach. This internship provides hands-on experience in supporting international research teams through communications planning, writing, and visual content creation.

Questions about this internship should be sent to Ana Griffin: griffinac@si.edu

Learning Objectives

This is an unpaid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Center for Conservation and Sustainability. Through this internship, interns will: 

  • Learn, develop, and enhance communication and research skills by supporting strategic content creation for reports, newsletters, and digital platforms.
  • Strengthen project coordination abilities through participation in planning meetings, internal campaigns, and special events.
  • Learn science communication skills by translating complex research findings into engaging messages for diverse audiences.
  • Develop design skills by creating graphics, templates, and promotional materials using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite platforms.
  • Build and learn public speaking and presentation skills through opportunities to present updates and reports to the team.
  • Learn to manage and update internal communication tools such as SharePoint, Teams channels, and email distribution lists.
  • Engage in networking opportunities with Smithsonian scientists, program staff, and international conservation partners.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must be currently pursuing or have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Ability to commit to a regular schedule, 5 days a week from 9 AM-5 PM
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment with staff and volunteers
  • Professional and self-motivated
  • Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required.
  • Accepted interns must also pass a background check.

Stipend

This is an unpaid internship. College credit is offered if desired; intern is responsible for obtaining necessary approvals from their university. Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance.

Location

Washington DC

Housing

The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.

Parking

The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution do not provide free parking to interns.

Term of appointment

Summer Session (June – August), specific dates dependent on applicant and department schedules

Application deadline(s)

Status

Open

Internship Category

Communications

How to Apply

To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.

Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:

  • Basic personal information
  • Professional resume or CV
  • A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
  • Schedule of availability.

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:

  • Type of appointment: “Internship”
  • Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
  • Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
  • Project: "Center for Conservation and Sustainability"

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.