The mission of the National Park Service is "… to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations" (National Park Service Organic Act, 1916).
The NPS strives to fulfill its mission and encourage greater citizen engagement in national park programs and activities by partnering with educational institutions, organizations, businesses, and federal, state, tribal and local agencies. The Partnership Office helps the NPS and its partners create, enhance, and recognize their collaborative work through training, communication, and policy leadership.
Responsibilities Include:
- Collaborate with a brand and marketing specialist and the Partnership Office to assist in the development of an NPS Brand Identity and Marketing Strategy. Depending on the phase of strategy development, interns may conduct research and write reports on the following topical areas,
o Research and report out on the history of NPS brand marks and usage.
o Research and report out on the history of NPS marketing, including successful cause marketing campaigns the NPS has carried out with other organizations in the past.
o Create a list of focus and constituent groups and brainstorm ways to engage groups in order to develop a comprehensive list of the universal meanings, values, emotions and intangible assets people equate with the NPS -and that the NPS seeks to convey through its new brand identity.
o Research and report out on the “best-in-class” branding and marketing strategies used by government agencies and nonprofit and corporate entities.
o Research and recommend the best ways to articulate and roll out the new strategy to NPS employees, partners, and other key stakeholders.
o Research different types of tools and tool kits government, non-profit, and corporate entities have created to ensure stakeholders are able to effectively utilize the new brand.
o Provide guidance in rolling out the new branding/marketing strategy.
o Develop a strategy to test brand and marketing effectiveness (once roll-out has occurred).
- Provide research and writing assistance in the development of a Resource Manual on Partnerships and Philanthropy. The manual will provide guidance to employees and partners on how to carry out work related to establishing and managing partner relationships and planning for, accepting, and receiving philanthropic donations (support and background information will be provided).
- Provide assistance in formatting and designing the Resource Manual. Develop a template design that incorporates visuals that help guide employees and partners in their work.
· Vet potential and current donors – both corporate and nonprofit organizations, using research gathered from online library databases and government databases.
· Write reports and create presentations on co-branded marketing initiatives with other companies and nonprofit organizations.
· Work with the Partnership Office, Centennial Office, and National Park Foundation on corporate partnership activations and projects as they relate to the NPS Centennial Anniversary.
Qualifications:
This internship is designed for current undergraduate or graduate students who have completed one or more marketing courses and will not graduate before December 2016. This position requires:
· Knowledge or experience in strategic marketing, brand and marketing communications, brand management, and marketing research methods.
· Experience in utilizing design/desktop publishing software such as in-design, photo-shop, illustrator, and/or other programs.
· Strong communication skills; oral and written.
· Skills in policy research, analysis, and formulation.
· Ability to express findings in well researched documents, white papers, and briefings.
· Experience using online library databases to conduct research on various companies and nonprofit organizations
Candidates should possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, have strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and complete multiple assignments.
Work Location:
The Partnership Office is located in the NPS Washington Support Office at 1201 I Street NW, Washington DC 20005. The two closest metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson. Bus transportation is also conveniently located in close proximity to the office.
Work Schedules and Pay:
This part time (24 hours per week preferred, minimum 16 hours per week) internship will begin as soon as possible and continue until the end of the fall semester, with the possibility of extension. Interns will be paid $14.00 per hour.
To apply, please submit an electronic cover letter, resume, contact information for two professional and/or educational references, and a one-page writing sample to Kathryn Hopps, Program Director for Experiential Learning, at khopps@umd.edu. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For best consideration, apply by September 29.
For additional information or general questions about this position, please phone or email Jackie Dostourian, NPS Washington Partnership Office, at 202-354-2182 or Jackie_Dostourian@nps.gov.
