The National Audubon Society is excited to announce its third year of the Walker Communications Fellowship Program, designed for students (undergraduate or graduate) majoring in journalism, communications, or related fields. As a full-time fellow, s/he/they will be a valuable contributor on our Content, Journalism and Marketing teams, contributing primarily digital content while getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a communications professional at a major nonprofit.
Fellowship themes are focused on the ways that personal action leads to collective action, environment and conservation issues, incorporating environmental and social justice strategies at Audubon, and reaching new, broader, urban and more diverse audiences.
The Walker Communications Fellowship is a formative step towards a successful career in social media or communications. Walker Fellows will be immersed in the world of social media and communications, learning from experts in these fields. Fellows will help to create web-based and social media campaigns and multimedia stories across channels using text, interactive tools, and world-class nature photography. Ideally, applicants will have a passion for the environment, conservation, social and environmental justice.
Audubon is seeking candidates who have communications and/or writing skills (online, social media, print) or multimedia (video, audio, design) chops, and a willingness to think independently and hit the ground running. The Walker Fellows will create fresh and accurate content on fast-paced deadlines and develop a strong capability to tell compelling stories to broad and diverse audiences. Walker Fellows will gain experience in becoming the next generation of storytellers, building a portfolio of work and job that will lead to an editorial or communications job or a successful freelance career. Each Fellow will be mentored by a seasoned professional in the fields of communications or social media.
The fellowship is approximately 35 hours per week in Audubon and spans a period from June 2018 to August 2018 with the potential to extend into the fall. This is a paid fellowship. Applicants must provide a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and a resume.
Walker Communications Fellows will:
- Attend required curriculum elements that incorporate training, workshops and seminars; Topics may include Social Media in Journalism and Messaging, Digital Architecture, Using Digital Tools to Tell Stories, Energizing Supporters with Stories, and more.
- Create content for web-based, online and print publication on topics relating to the environment, conservation, environmental and social justice in collaboration with Audubon journalists.
- Generate compelling content through video or photos or other interactive multimedia tools in collaboration with the Audubon’s Art Department, and assist Audubon staff in pushing out news and information through social media.
- Master the craft of fact-checking, copyediting, information-gathering, interviewing experts, interpreting scientific journals, and researching media outlets for stories that help educate the public about conservation and bird issues.
- Attend and participate in conference calls and meetings, and editorial and/or marketing meetings as scheduled.
- Other duties as needed and assigned.
- Interest in environmental and social justice issues, birds, wildlife, nature, and storytelling
- Experience using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and other popular platforms
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required
- Familiarity with video-editing software and content management systems
- Self-starter, excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Accurate, attentive to detail, dependable, able to meet deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure and in time-sensitive environments
- Ability to report and write stories on that involve scientific topics
- Ability to pinpoint story ideas and promote multimedia content
- Fluency in reading and writing Spanish is a plus