Summer 2025 - TrailLink Digital Marketing Internship

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Summer 2025 - TrailLink Digital Marketing Internship

🔹 Company: Rails To Trails Conservancy

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Internship

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

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

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

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Enriching TrailLink content through HTML audits and photo curation
• Promoting TrailLink's digital presence across multiple platforms
• Supporting TrailLink marketing and brand strategies
• Collaborating with the TrailLink team to enhance user experience

ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in digital marketing for students or early-career professionals in related fields. The role involves both creative and technical tasks, offering a well-rounded introduction to the industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Using HTML to audit and update existing trail pages

✅ Curating and categorizing photos for TrailLink content

✅ Researching trail photo resources and soliciting photo use for TrailLink

✅ Assisting in the implementation of TrailLink marketing and brand strategies

✅ Supporting the promotion of TrailLink on social media and via email campaigns

ASSUMPTION: While this role involves a variety of tasks, the core responsibilities revolve around content creation, curation, and promotion to engage TrailLink's extensive user base.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate student or early-career professional enrolled in a program related to communications, marketing, journalism/photojournalism, public relations, liberal arts, website/database management, or a related field.

Experience: No formal experience required, but relevant coursework or projects are a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in HTML
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Basic understanding of digital marketing principles

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content management systems
• Familiarity with social media marketing platforms
• Basic knowledge of SEO principles

ASSUMPTION: While specific experience is not required, a strong foundation in relevant coursework and a willingness to learn are essential for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $17.50 - $17.95 per hour. This is an unpaid internship, but academic credit may be available.

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedule (20-35 hours per week)
• Opportunity to gain real-world experience in digital marketing
• Potential for academic credit

Working Hours: Flexible, with a regular, consistent schedule. The internship runs for 12 weeks, starting in June 2025.

ASSUMPTION: While this internship is unpaid, the opportunity to gain practical experience and potentially earn academic credit makes it an attractive option for students in relevant fields.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on trail development and advocacy for active transportation.

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), offering a close-knit work environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1986, with a rich history in trail development and advocacy.

Company Description:

• Dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.
• Operates TrailLink, a comprehensive guide to multiuse trails with interactive maps, detailed descriptions, dynamic directions, reviews, ratings, and photos.
• Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a mission to serve as the national voice for the rail-trail movement.

Company Specialties:

• Trail development and advocacy
• Community building and engagement
• Economic development through active lifestyles and urban planning
• Active transportation and mobility
• GIS, mapping, and regional planning

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

ASSUMPTION: Rails To Trails Conservancy offers a unique opportunity for interns to contribute to a meaningful cause while gaining valuable experience in digital marketing.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level, with opportunities for growth and learning within the marketing team.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the TrailLink team, with close collaboration with other departments as needed.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a preference for 1-2 days per week in the DC office.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for academic credit and a strong addition to a professional portfolio
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals
• Potential for future employment or recommendations based on performance

ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a solid foundation for a career in digital marketing, with opportunities for growth and learning within the organization and the broader industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern office space with low to moderate noise levels.

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

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC, offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites.
• The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with an extensive network of trails and bike lanes.
• DC is home to a thriving job market, with numerous opportunities in various industries.

Work Schedule: Flexible, with a regular, consistent schedule. The internship runs for 12 weeks, starting in June 2025.

ASSUMPTION: The DC office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to numerous amenities and attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the TrailLink team
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills, including HTML proficiency
• Communication skills, both verbal and written
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant coursework and projects in your resume and cover letter
• Demonstrate your passion for trails, active transportation, and the organization's mission
• Prepare questions about the role, the team, and the organization to ask during the interview

ATS Keywords: Digital Marketing, HTML, Content Curation, Photo Research, Social Media Promotion, Email Campaigns, Communication, Independent Work

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• HTML
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Basic photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, GIMP)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for trails and active transportation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous learning
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Adaptable and able to learn new tools and technologies
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with a team

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the organization's mission to build a nation connected by trails?
• How do you prefer to work, and how does that fit with the hybrid work arrangement?
• What specific skills or experiences do you bring to this role, and how will they contribute to the TrailLink team's success?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share the organization's passion for trails and active transportation, and who demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to a new work environment and team dynamic
• Balancing internship responsibilities with academic coursework
• Potential for limited guidance or supervision, requiring strong independent work skills

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing internships, this role offers a unique focus on trail development and advocacy, providing a more specialized experience in the non-profit sector.
• While the role involves digital marketing tasks, it also offers opportunities to engage with the broader organization and its mission, providing a more holistic experience.
• This internship provides a strong foundation for a career in digital marketing, with opportunities for growth and learning within the organization and the broader industry.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how they align with their career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Updating trail pages using HTML to improve user experience
• Curating and categorizing photos for TrailLink content, enhancing visual appeal and engagement
• Researching trail photo resources and soliciting photo use for TrailLink, expanding the organization's photo library
• Supporting TrailLink marketing and brand strategies, contributing to the team's overall success

ASSUMPTION: These projects offer a mix of creative and technical tasks, providing a well-rounded introduction to digital marketing.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader TrailLink team and organization?
• What are the most pressing priorities for the TrailLink team in the coming months?
• How does this internship align with the organization's mission and values?
• What opportunities are there for growth and learning within the organization?
• How does the TrailLink team support and mentor interns?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and the organization, and provide valuable insights into the work environment and team dynamics.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills
• Prepare questions about the role, the team, and the organization to ask during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role

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