Summer 2025 - Communications Design + Digital Media Internship

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Summer 2025 - Communications Design + Digital Media Internship

🔹 Company: Rails To Trails Conservancy

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Internship

🔹 Category: Communications, Graphic Design, Digital Media

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days/week in DC office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the development and production of visual and creative assets for RTC brand and campaigns
• Graphic design support for print, digital, and motion graphics
• Managing and expanding RTC's photo and video archive
• Collaborating with the Senior Graphic Designer/Brand Manager
• Contributing to RTC's mission of connecting communities through trails

ASSUMPTION: This internship is ideal for undergraduate or graduate students, or early-career professionals seeking experience in graphic design, communications, or digital media within a non-profit organization focused on trail development and advocacy.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting graphic design needs, including print production design, social media content creation, digital imagery, motion graphics, and product production

✅ Working with the Senior Graphic Designer to develop templates and modular assets for staff use

✅ Assisting in designing and producing branded promotional materials

✅ Collecting, cataloging, and tagging photos from RTC's existing photo and video files, and uploading them to the archive

✅ Supporting the procurement of on-brand photography and helping to develop best practices for archive use

✅ Compiling and cataloguing RTC media contacts, blog contacts, and partners

ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, with a strong attention to detail and a passion for RTC's mission.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate or graduate student, or early-career professional in a related field (communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, graphic design, or digital media)

Experience: No formal experience required, but relevant coursework or projects are preferred

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong interest in health, environment, sustainable transportation, outdoor recreation, pedestrian issues, bicycling, or trails

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects)
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
• Knowledge of HTML and CSS

ASSUMPTION: Applicants whose permanent residence is in one of the following states will be given priority: CA, CO, DC, FL, MD, ME, MI, MT, NJ, OH, OR, PA, VA, or WI.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.50 - $17.95 per hour (based on industry standards for internships in the non-profit sector)

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedule (20-35 hours per week)
• Opportunity to gain experience in a non-profit organization focused on trail development and advocacy
• Potential for future employment opportunities within the organization

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexibility to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for internships in the non-profit sector. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on trail development and advocacy

Company Size: 11-50 employees, providing a close-knit and collaborative work environment

Founded: 1986, with a rich history of advocating for trails and connecting communities

Company Description:

• Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization, dedicated to building a nation connected by trails and reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
• RTC’s national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee.
• RTC engages with diverse audiences through social media, online engagement, quarterly magazine, news media, and events to inspire activism, encourage policy change, and motivate people to be active outside on America’s trails.

Company Specialties:

• Trail development and advocacy
• Advocacy for biking and walking infrastructure
• Community building and economic development
• Active lifestyles, urban planning, and active transportation
• Environmental planning, health, wellness, urban mobility, and regional planning

Company Website: https://www.railstotrails.org/

ASSUMPTION: RTC's mission and values make it an attractive organization for candidates interested in non-profit work, environmental advocacy, and community development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level, with opportunities for growth and learning within the organization

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer/Brand Manager

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a preference for working every Tuesday and/or Thursday in the DC office

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for future employment opportunities within the organization
• Development of skills in graphic design, communications, and digital media
• Exposure to various aspects of non-profit work, including advocacy, community engagement, and event planning

ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in a non-profit organization focused on trail development and advocacy, while also developing their skills in graphic design, communications, and digital media.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a preference for working every Tuesday and/or Thursday in the DC office

Office Location(s): 2445 M Street, NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20037, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, D.C. is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and cultural scene
• The DC office is located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, near the George Washington University campus and the Potomac River
• The area offers numerous amenities, including restaurants, shops, and parks

Work Schedule: Flexible, with the opportunity to work 20-35 hours per week on a regular, consistent schedule

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule provide candidates with the opportunity to balance their internship with other commitments, such as school or personal pursuits.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen interview
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Graphic design skills and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in and knowledge of RTC's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
• Include a portfolio of your graphic design work, if available
• Demonstrate your passion for RTC's mission and values during the interview process
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the organization and the role

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Digital Media, Communications, Non-profit, Trail Development, Advocacy, Adobe Creative Suite, Internship

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences, as well as their passion for RTC's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects)
• Content management systems (CMS)
• HTML and CSS

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and adapt to new software and systems as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for trails and connecting communities
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Accountability and results-driven
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Creative and innovative
• Passionate about RTC's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with RTC's mission and values?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with a team?
• How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
• How do you approach learning new software and tools?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share RTC's passion for trails and connecting communities, and who demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and creativity, will be well-suited to this internship opportunity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the demands of an internship with other commitments, such as school or personal pursuits
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and working remotely
• Managing a diverse workload, including graphic design, photography, and archive management
• Meeting the expectations of a non-profit organization focused on trail development and advocacy

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to RTC's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in graphic design, communications, and digital media within a non-profit organization focused on trail development and advocacy
• Similar roles may be found in other non-profit organizations, communications agencies, or marketing firms
• Career paths may include roles in graphic design, communications, digital media, or non-profit management

ASSUMPTION: This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a specific niche within the non-profit sector, with potential for growth and learning within the organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Designing promotional materials for RTC events or campaigns
• Creating social media content and graphics for RTC's platforms
• Managing and expanding RTC's photo and video archive
• Assisting with the production of RTC's quarterly magazine

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a sense of the types of tasks and responsibilities the intern may be expected to undertake during their internship.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this internship role?
• How does this internship fit into RTC's overall mission and goals?
• What opportunities are there for growth and learning within the organization?
• How does RTC support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate the candidate's interest in the role and their commitment to RTC's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare for the interview by researching RTC's mission, values, and recent projects
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the organization and the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of the interview to express your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.