National Park Service – Communications and Public Affairs Fellow

Position Details

Stewards Individual Placement Program (SIPP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. The NPS Office of Communications supports the Service with innovative and responsive communications strategies and leads the Service in exploring new ways to communicate broadly about the NPS mission.

In partnership with Stewards Individual Placements, the Office of Communications is seeking two fellows who will support the office’s work to shape and implement collaborative, integrated, multi-platform national communications strategies and other initiatives for external engagement. One fellow will specialize in public affairs and media relations, and the other will specialize in communications, impact storytelling, and social media. Both will engage in innovative multimedia work. The fellows will be in unique positions to work with a variety of NPS programs, parks, and partners to engage audiences in protecting and experiencing America’s public lands. Major projects include supporting development and delivery of communications tools for use by NPS communicators and partners, including strategic campaign tools and materials, impact storytelling, media relations efforts, website content and design, social media and multimedia products, and direct-to-audience communications.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Assist with day-to-day communication duties such as drafting news releases, talking points, and other communications materials.

• Research, develop, and assist with implementation of strategic communications plans and strategies for initiatives such as responsible park use by visitors, public and partner engagement in Land and Water Conservation Fund projects, projects that improve the visitor experience, and other impact storytelling.

• Develop and deliver high-quality online content for the flagship social media accounts of the National Park Service (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X - formerly Twitter, YouTube, etc.)

Benefits:

• Pay Rate: $20/hour (pre-tax)

• Trainings offered: social media, analytics, accessibility, informal communications planning training, online self-paced communications training through DOI Talent, web systems training (including SharePoint), news release 101 training, basic multimedia training

• Professional development funds available

Required Skills

• Public speaking skills and the ability to engage and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with a diverse public, students, user groups, and agency staff in a professional manner

• computer skills

Required Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's in communications or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Social media, photography, graphic design and/or videography experience preferred

• Interest in education and interpretation