Land Conservation – Communications Intern

The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) and The Last Green Valley (TLGV) are seeking a communications intern for an exciting new project that will build stronger land trusts and lead to creation of a regional conservation strategy in Northeast Connecticut.

Position Summary: The communications intern, under supervision of the CLCC and TLGV executive directors, will focus on community engagement and communications to raise the visibility of land trusts in Northeast Connecticut and help lay the groundwork for a larger, watershed-wide regional conservation strategy.

Non-Profit Profiles: CLCC is the statewide umbrella organization for Connecticut’s land conservation community, including its 137+/- land trusts. CLCC advocates for land conservation, stewardship and funding and works to ensure the long-term strength and viability of the land conservation community.

TLGV is the non-profit stewardship organization for The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. The Corridor encompasses 26 towns in eastern Connecticut (including Mansfield/Storrs) plus 9 communities in Massachusetts. TLGV helps people to care for, enjoy, and pass on the natural resources of The Last Green Valley.

Description: The communications intern will play an integral role in the Northeast Land Trust Advancement Initiative – a new project designed to significantly strengthen the individual and collective capacity of participating land trusts to save and enhance the region’s natural heritage, land, and water resources. The communications intern will develop specific products to raise the visibility of land trust work in northeastern Connecticut and help lay the groundwork for a larger, watershed-wide regional conservation strategy. Hours and location are flexible, with the opportunity to complete much of the work remotely.

Responsibilities:

·        Work with CLCC to develop an individual “What is a Land Trust” case statement template for each participating land trust. The template may be offered by CLCC for land trusts throughout the state.

·        Work with TLGV to develop a publication for landowners that will serve as a primer on land protection as well as a directory of eastern Connecticut land trusts. TLGV has an out-of-print publication, “Your Family Land: Legacy or Memory?” that will be used as a starting point. The intern will oversee production from early drafts through publication in print and online.

·        Assist CLCC and TLGV by scheduling and facilitating land trust capacity-building sessions.

·        Coordinate a project-wide publicity campaign, including development of press releases and social media posts.

Requirements: Students applying for this internship must have:

·        Strong oral and written communication skills.

·        A demonstrated interest in land conservation.

·        Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign is a plus.

·        Familiarity with social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and emerging platforms.

·        Effective interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance workload responsibilities between two organizations.

·        Self-motivation and the ability to work independently, as much of the work can be done remotely.

·        The ability to attend some evening and weekend meetings as the intern’s schedule allows.

·        Transportation to/from CLCC and TLGV offices for occasional meetings that will be scheduled at the intern’s convenience. Mileage and other travel costs will be reimbursed at the federal rate (currently $0.545 per mile).

·        A GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Learning Experiences: TLGV and CLCC executive directors are committed to providing regular opportunities for the intern to network with land conservation professionals by attending both organization’s Board meetings as well as internal and external steering and policy committee meetings.

Both executive directors are committed to mentoring the intern and providing professional guidance, feedback and career-development opportunities throughout the internship. TLGV’s executive director will be the primary administrative contact for this internship.

Majors: Communications, journalism, agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences/studies or related majors. Juniors, seniors and graduate students are welcome to apply.

Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Lois@tlgv.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Internship Dates: The position will run from June 1- August 31, with the potential to continue for an additional 1-2 semesters.

Stipend: $2,000

Project Partner Contact Information:

Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director

The Last Green Valley

203B Main Street, Danielson, CT 06239

lois@tlgv.org

860-774-3300

Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director

Connecticut Land Conservation Council

27 Washington Street, Middletown, CT 06457

abpaterson@ctconservation.org

860-852-5512