Summer 2025 - Communications Design + Digital Media Internship

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Job Description

RTC’s Communications Department tells the story of the nation’s trails, walking and bicycling movement—inspiring activism, encouraging policy change and motivating people to be active outside on America’s trails. Through social media (@railstotrails), online engagement (railstotrails.org), our quarterly magazine, news media and events, we engage with RTC’s diverse audiences—including trail enthusiasts and those discovering the joy of trails for the first time, lawmakers, trail builders and partners nationwide.

This 12-week internship program begins in June 2025. Interns will have the flexibility to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule.

Job Location

This position is located in our Washington, D.C., National Headquarters and is eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule in accordance with RTC’s policies. A hybrid schedule is preferred (working every Tuesday and/or Thursday in the DC Office)

Job Duties

RTC is seeking a Graphic Design and Digital Media Communications Intern to support the development and production of visual and creative assets in support of the RTC brand and organizational campaigns. The intern reports to the Senior Graphic Designer/Brand Manager.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Graphic Design Support:

• Assist in graphic design needs, including print production design, social media content creation, digital imagery, motion graphics, and product production
• Working with Senior Graphic Designer to develop templates including PowerPoint Presentations, Word documents, social media templates, and modular assets to be used by staff
• Assist in designing and producing branded promotional materials

Photography and Archive System:

• Collecting and cataloging photos from RTC’s existing photo and video files and evaluating, tagging, and uploading photos to the archive
• Working with the supervisor to identify assets for organizational use and identify gaps in media collection
• Support procurement of on-brand photography
• Helping to develop best practices and standards to guide ongoing archive use
• Photography and minor photo editing. Compiling and cataloguing RTC media contacts, blog contacts, and partners

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory tasks assigned to this role.

Requirements:

Desired Background and Personal Attributes

RTC is seeking an undergraduate, graduate or a professional early in their career journey in a related field (communications, journalism, public relations or marketing preferred). Candidates should be task-oriented and highly organized and possess a strong interest in the topics of health, the environment, sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, pedestrian issues, bicycling or trails.

Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the states where we operate will be considered for this internship program. This criterion aligns with our strategic goals and operational requirements. We are looking forward to discovering motivated and talented individuals from CA, CO, DC, FL, MD, ME, MI, MT, NJ, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.

Employer’s Right: RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.

Commitment to Diversity

Rails to Trails Conservancy seeks diverse, passionate, and qualified individuals who want to make a difference in the world. RTC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail careers@railstotrails.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.