Media Relations Intern

The Nature Conservancy

1d • $17 • Remote

About The Position

The Midwest Media Relations team is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented intern to support the development of comprehensive media contact lists across the Midwest Division, specifically Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. This 10-week paid position is an excellent hands-on opportunity for an undergraduate student or recent grad interested in public relations, journalism, communications or media strategy to gain practical experience in media research and outreach preparation. The intern will be responsible for organizing information in databases; keeping track of media outlets and contacts across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, and identifying reporters, editors, producers and freelancers relevant to our conservation work who would be good targets for story pitching in the Midwest. The Media Relations intern will be working with a three-person team, including two Media Relations Managers and the Midwest Director of Marketing and Communications.

Requirements

• HS Diploma or equivalent.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program of communications, marketing, or related field, or a recent graduate with a degree in one of these or a related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience in research, writing, and editing
• Close attention to detail
• Access to a reliable internet connection

Nice To Haves

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with an undergraduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
• Interest or background in conservation is a plus.
• Midwest location preferred but not required.
• Strong research and online sleuthing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy with large amounts of information.
• Familiarity with media outlets and basic understanding of how journalism works.
• Experience with media databases (Meltwater, Cision, Muck Rack, etc.) is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Research and compile targeted media contact lists for print, digital, broadcast, and radio outlets across four Midwest states.
• Identify reporters, editors, producers, freelancers and influencers relevant to our priority topics and pitches.
• Verify and update existing contact information using approved databases, newsroom websites and social platforms.
• Organize contacts into structured, easy-to-navigate spreadsheets or CRM systems.
• Track emerging media outlets, new reporters on beats and shifts in newsroom structures.
• Prepare summaries or insights on media landscape trends across the region.
• Support the Midwest Media Relations team with additional administrative and research tasks as needed.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
• Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED