Events & Communications Intern

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) seeks an Events & Communications Intern to assist in raising awareness about the Land Conservancy’s efforts keep nature nearby and engaging and expanding our various audiences. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is an independent, non-profit land trust dedicated to conserving ecologically critical land in West Michigan. More information is available at www.naturenearby.org.

Position Type: Full-time, Temporary, Hourly/Non-exempt

Compensation: $17/hour

Timeframe: 3-4 months, flexible start, May-August/September or June-September/October

Supervisor: Outreach Coordinator

Work Location: Hybrid (Office in Grand Rapids, events throughout 8-county service area, and remote) 

Position Summary: The Events & Communications Intern will assist Outreach & Communications staff in sharing the story of LCWM’s mission, projects, protected properties, and community impact. This role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit events, outreach, and communication, including event management, community engagement, content creation, and digital storytelling.

Potential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and facilitation of all outreach, events, and tabling opportunities. Attend events and tabling opportunities as a representative of LCWM. 

• Coordinate volunteers, vendors, and community partners for events. 

• Assist with promotion of all outreach, events, and tabling opportunities. Create graphics and promotional materials for events, campaigns, and program highlights. 

• Create content for social media, blogs, website, e-newsletters, and print newsletters that highlights 50th anniversary activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. Content may include short-form video, static posts, blog posts, e-newsletter copy, newsletter articles. 

• Capture and edit photos and videos from site visits, events, and stewardship activities to build a visual content library. 

• Assist with stakeholder interviews for 50th Anniversary and other communications needs. Interact with volunteers, landowners, and partner organizations to gather stories, testimonials, and media content that support LCWM messaging.

Administrative & Collaborative Support 

• Assist with logging volunteer and event attendee data to help improve outreach strategies. 

• Track social media and email analytics to help improve communication strategies. 

• Assist with miscellaneous communications and outreach needs, as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Either 1) enrolled in a degree program in Events Management, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Hospitality, Environmental Studies, or related field with at least two years of relevant coursework OR 2) a bachelor’s degree in a related field completed no more than 12 months prior to hire. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn), and interest in trends and digital storytelling.  

• Basic proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools preferred.  

• Familiarity with content management systems and email marketing tools (e.g., WordPress, MailChimp) and contact management systems (Salesforce) is a plus.  

Skills & Attributes

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and initiative. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• Comfort engaging with community members, volunteers, and staff. 

• Interest in conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. 

• Commitment to equitable and inclusive representation in content and storytelling. 

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (use of LCWM vehicle or mileage from office to offsite events will be covered). 

• Ability to occasionally travel to nature preserves and events for content creation and outreach. 

• Possession of a smart phone for content creation. 

• The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has a hybrid work environment. Some office time is required. 

Terms of Employment: This is a full-time, hourly, approximately 12-week (480 hour) position. Work reporting location is 237 Steele St NW, Suite A, Grand Rapids, MI, with daily work locations ranging throughout the Land Conservancy’s service area. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The Land Conservancy is an at-will employer. Employment is dependent on performance and budget, and can be terminated with or without cause or notice.

Application Procedure: To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Tarah Grow at tarah@naturenearby.org. Please include “Events & Communications Intern” in the subject line. 

Closing Date: Application deadline is Sunday, March 22 at 11:59 p.m. 

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan does not discriminate in its employment practices. All aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline, training, and any other opportunities, will be made on the basis of individual abilities and qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, height, weight, handicap, genetic information, gender orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected category.