Native Fish Society Seeks a Communications Intern 

Position Title: Communications Intern
Location: Oregon (Remote work possible)
Duration: 16 weeks, February 24 – June 16, 2025
Compensation: $11,500 for the 16-week internship (equivalent to approximately $718 per week)

About the Native Fish Society:

The Native Fish Society is a dynamic Oregon-based nonprofit organization focused on protecting wild fish, free-flowing rivers, and thriving communities across the Pacific Northwest. We work to revive abundant wild fish populations and ensure the sustainability of local ecosystems through grassroots action, advocacy, and community-building. Our impact is driven by diverse, dedicated people who are committed to ensuring the future of wild fish for generations to come.

Through our River Steward Program, we empower volunteers to advocate for their home rivers, while our Native Fish Fellowship Program taps into specialized skills to drive meaningful change. Our Women for Wild Fish Initiative fosters a growing community of women leaders advocating for the protection and restoration of wild fish. Recent successes include securing landmark protections for forests and fish habitat in Oregon’s 500,000 acre Tillamook and Clatsop state forest; advancing a sustainable wild steelhead fishery on the Rogue River through catch and release conservation angling regulations; and overcoming seemingly intractable challenges to provide threatened salmon and steelhead in the Willamette River with fish passage to critical cold water habitats. 

At the heart of our work is a community that is passionate, persistent, and solutions-oriented. For 30 years, the Native Fish Society has been a leader in the movement to protect wild, native fish in the Pacific Northwest, and we are looking for a communications intern to help elevate our voice in the ongoing fight for the protection of wild fish and free-flowing rivers.

Role Overview:

The Communications Intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, working closely with the Communications Coordinator to support outreach efforts, manage content, and help deliver communications campaigns that inform and engage our community. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the communications strategies that drive the Native Fish Society’s mission and help ensure our continued success in advocating for wild fish.

Key Responsibilities:

The intern’s responsibilities will include the following tasks:

• Content Creation and Editing: Assist in writing, editing, and producing digital and print content, including blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, and press releases.

• Social Media Management: Support the coordination and execution of social media campaigns, helping to amplify the Society’s message on Instagram.

• Website Updates: Help maintain and update content on the Native Fish Society’s website to ensure it stays current, engaging, and informative.

• Public Outreach Support: Contribute to executing outreach strategies, including email campaigns, partner communication, and media relations.

• Event Promotion: Assist in promoting and coordinating events such as fundraisers and community engagement activities.

• Team Collaboration: Work alongside staff members to brainstorm creative ways to share the story of wild fish conservation across the state of Oregon. 

Qualifications:

We seek an enthusiastic, detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in communications and environmental conservation. Ideal candidates will have:

• Interest in Environmental Advocacy: A passion for wild fish conservation and a commitment to the mission of the Native Fish Society.

• Strong Writing Skills: Ability to write clear, engaging content for various formats, including social media, email, and print materials.

• Social Media Savvy: Experience using social media platforms and a solid understanding of how to engage diverse audiences.

• Attention to Detail: Strong proofreading and editing skills with an eye for accuracy.

• Creativity and Initiative: Ability to generate new ideas and work independently on assigned tasks.

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience or Coursework in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Compensation:

• Salary: $11,500 for the 16-week internship (equivalent to approximately $718 per week).

• Benefits: While this is a paid internship, the position does not include additional benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. However, you will gain valuable experience in nonprofit communications and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.

Timeline and Application Process:

• Internship Duration: February 24 – June 16, 2025

• Application Deadline: Rolling until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.

To Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to mark@nativefishsociety.org with the subject line “Communications Intern Application – [Your Name].” In your cover letter, please describe your interest in wild fish conservation, relevant skills or experiences, and why you are excited about this internship opportunity.

Why Apply?

This internship is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who want to pursue a career in communications, nonprofit work, or environmental advocacy. As a communications intern at the Native Fish Society, you’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside passionate professionals, and contribute to a cause that is vital to the future of our environment. You’ll also have the chance to build your network in the nonprofit sector and develop valuable skills that can be applied in a variety of communications roles.

At the Native Fish Society, we value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a more inclusive, equitable community for wild fish and all people.