Intern Description
Intern will participate in Highstead’s communication and outreach efforts and work directly with Highstead’s Director of Communications for a twelve-week period from late September to mid-December 2011.
Intern will be responsible for managing projects that advance Highstead’s communication, public education, and outreach needs.
Responsibilities will include: Internet research, creating short multi-media pieces (video, audio, photos), writing and posting web content, data entry, and writing media materials ranging from press releases to short news articles, assisting in the management of social media accounts, developing printed materials, and making telephone contact with the media.
Specific Projects may include:
- Assist with the implementation of a comprehensive outreach and communication strategy to be advanced across Highstead’s programs and activities and the Wildlands and Woodlands Initiative
- Assist with the design, coordination and monitoring of an online communication plan utilizing web, e-mail marketing and social networking tools
- Assist with the use of communications technologies for recording and broadcasting meetings, lectures, and other events to expand the visibility of Highstead and the W&W Initiative
- Assist with the communications and outreach activities for special events, workshops, meetings, and conferences.
- Creating web-based media campaigns.
In addition, students may interact with communications, conservation, forestry, forest ecologist, and planning professionals from the Northeast as well as with researchers from Harvard Forest, Harvard University. Students are expected to attend and help staff seminars and guided tours held at Highstead given by nationally and internationally regarded scientists and conservationists.
Eligibility
We seek current college students or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for the development and implementation of real world strategies for the following areas: community outreach, marketing, public education, website, e-communications, and social media, and earned media. Candidates must have access to a car for travel within and in some cases outside of Connecticut. At a minimum, interns must work 30 hours per week.
How To Apply
All application materials must be received at the address below by July 1, 2011. Candidates will be notified by September 1, 2011.
Application Materials
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter describing your related experience and interests (including relevant courses, employment, or experiences), your expectations for a successful experience, and your educational and career objectives. (300 words maximum)
- Conservation experiences/background is a plus.
Please send all materials to:
Carol Buckheit, Director of Communications cbuckheit@highstead.net
or by mail to: Highstead, PO Box 1097, Redding Center, CT 06875
Working at Highstead
Located approximately halfway between Hartford, CT and New York City, Highstead is 150 acres of woodland, wetland, and meadow secluded in the quiet town of Redding, CT, located some 50 miles southwest of Hartford, CT and 50 miles northeast of New York City. Highstead's staff is small, so interns become important members of the Highstead community during their stay. Facilities include office space, reception/presentation room with art gallery, library and reading room, laboratory and greenhouse space, herbarium, and maintenance garage. The nearest town with grocery store and other amenities is Bethel, CT, about a 10 minute drive to the north, and a commuter rail line to NYC is located in West Redding.
Nearby Attractions
Redding has a large number of nature preserves, state parks, and hiking trails and is situated in the most undeveloped part of Fairfield County. The Nature Conservancy’s, 1800- acre Devil's Den Preserve is located several miles south as is the Saugatuck Reservoir, offering striking watershed views and miles of hiking trails. The Connecticut Coast is about a 30 minute drive south, while the rural highlands of northwestern, CT are about 45 minutes north.
Compensation
Student compensation includes the following:
- Stipend of $3,750 for the 12-week session
