Communications Fellow

Founded in 1936 the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is Americas largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters including hunters anglers gardeners birders hikers campers paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federations mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife restoring habitats and waterways expanding outdoor opportunities connecting children with nature and addressing the causes and consequences of climate Federation serves as a co-chair of the Choose Clean Water Coalition Steering Committee and is the Coalitions fiscal and staffing agent.

For 17 years the Choose Clean Water Coalition (Coalition) has coordinated policy advocacy and messaging that advances the goals of the Chesapeake Bay restoration community. Reporting to the Coalitions Communications Director the Communications Fellow will provide integral communications support. A full-time paid fellowship this is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in gaining experience in nonprofit communications and outreach. The fellowship will also provide significant professional development opportunities.

This position is located in NWFs office in Annapolis Maryland. This is a hybrid position; candidates must be able to work in the Annapolis office 1-2 days a month. This position is for 40 hours a week for eleven months.

Primary Responsibilities

The Communications Fellow will work directly with the Communications Director to complete the

following objectives:

• Lead the management of the Coalitions social media platforms in accordance with the Coalitions social media strategy.
• Direct the creation and distribution of monthly e-newsletters to Coalition members and partners.
• Manage the production and execution of the Coalitions store product development and marketing.
• Help update and manage the Coalition website.
• Write stories for the Coalitions blog and direct its content calendar.
• Assist with the production of videos and other digital media supporting Coalition policy priorities and strategic communications campaigns.
• Assist with capturing photographs and video at Coalition and partner events.
• Support the creation of communications resources to improve the communications capacity of Coalition member organizations.
• Assist in the development of resources for strategic communications campaigns of the Coalition.
• Provide marketing and event support for the Choose Clean Water Conference.
• Provide additional support as needed to the Coalition workgroups Coalition Director Policy Manager and Partnerships and Outreach Specialist.

The Coalitions Communications Fellow will gain:

• Experience executing strategic multimedia communications campaigns.
• Nonprofit communications and marketing skills including but not limited to multimedia production social media branding and email.
• Connections with the Coalitions membership of more than 325 nonprofit organizations providing ample opportunity for building their network for future employment opportunities.
• Skills necessary to navigate working in the nonprofit sector.
• Knowledge about the issues facing the Chesapeake Bay and how nonprofits in the watershed are working together to advance clean water goals.
• A portfolio of work for their resume for future employment opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal skills including strong copy-editing skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with social media platforms and knowledge of social media trends.
• Photography and videography skills and experience.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate positions and build public awareness.
• Ability to work effectively with a broad base of groups and people from diverse backgrounds.

Desired but Not Required Experience and Skills

• Technical skills related to filming and editing.

• Experience with software for design and web publishing.
• Experience in a mission-driven non-profit organization.
• Experience planning and coordinating events.
• Passion for environmental protection and knowledge of threats to clean water.

NWF Values:

Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration mindfulness empowerment inclusivity and mission competencies should include:

• Being motivated by values of equity and responsibility to those most marginalized;
• Consistently bringing a high level of empathy and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions;
• Being committed to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy priorities program development and partner engagement;
• Actively seeks feedback direction and guidance from all team members and keeps staff informed of decisions that impact them;
• Being dedicated to advancing NWFs internal equity transformation and compelling partners and allies to incorporate equity into their work; and
• Passion for and commitment to NWFs mission

Travel Requirements:

Up to two days per month throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (New York Pennsylvania Maryland Delaware District of Columbia Virginia West Virginia).

Location and Work Mode:

This position will be based in Annapolis MD. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all this position the employee may work remotely and/or in the office to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes please review the benefits section of our careers page Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note: This job description sets forth the jobs principal duties responsibilities and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement however. Unless they begin with the word may the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are essential functions of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act

Compensation and Benefits:

This position pays $21 an hour for 40 hours a week with paid holidays for eleven months.

This is a paid fellowship opportunity with the National Wildlife Federation. NWF is happy to work with the applicant to obtain relevant credit(s) through college/university programming such as directed independent study (DIS) internship credit hours etc. Applicant should indicate if they intend to pursue this in application letter. The work schedule is flexible to accommodate your class schedule.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interested candidates encouraged to apply by January 5 2027. Candidates must submit a cover letter resume and are encouraged to also include examples of prior work related to the role. Applicants are also strongly advised not to use AI in the production of application materials.

For more information on our recruiting process please review our Careers page We strive to increase diversity equity inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world. We recruit employ train compensate and promote regardless of race religion creed national origin ancestry sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual) age physical or mental disability citizenship genetic information past current or prospective service in the uniformed services or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federations commitment to diversity equity and inclusion at recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job therefore our job descriptions are guidelines not hard and fast experience which may include paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at or .

If selected for this position a background check will be conducted.