National Park Service Paid Internship

Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship

Paid Internship Position | Partnership and Philanthropic Policy Research and Development 

Position Description

The National Park Service (NPS) Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship (Partnership Office) is searching for an undergraduate or graduate student who is interested in an opportunity to participate in partnership and philanthropy policy research, re-visioning, and outreach while gaining hands on learning and leadership experience.       

National Park Service Mission  

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).

Partnership Office Program Background

The NPS strives to fulfill its mission and encourage greater citizen engagement in national park programs and activities by collaborating 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: 

• Provide research, administrative, and analytical support for employees engaged in the re-visioning and rewriting of National Park Service policy documents related to fundraising, donations, and intellectual property.  
• Strategize and outline a plan and methods to communicate policy changes to a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental employees and partners.   Duties may include creating visual products to communicate the progress, goals, and outcomes of policy re-visioning work, including PowerPoint presentations and posters.
• Conduct research on applicable laws, regulations and policies related to partnerships and philanthropy.     
• Conduct research and provide assistance in the development of new programmatic practices and policies to align with NPS goals pertaining to cause related marketing, co-branding, and brand alignment between the NPS and corporate and non-profit entities.   
• Document findings and recommendations in written summaries, briefings and/or white papers.  Communicate findings and share recommendations with fellow employees. 

Qualifications  

This internship is designed for current undergraduate or graduate students who have a strong interest in, or are seeking a degree in, government and politics, public policy, policy research and development, public-private partnerships, or related areas.  

This position requires: 

·         Knowledge or experience in marketing and partnership and philanthropic policy.

·         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.  

Candidates should possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; have strong attention to detail, and an 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 (16-20 hours per week maximum) internship will run from January 27^th to May 13^th, with a possibility to extend through the summer.  Interns will be paid $14.00 per hour.  The successful candidate will be responsible for securing his/her own housing and transportation arrangements in the Greater Washington D.C. area.

Application Procedures 

To apply, please submit an electronic cover letter, resume, and professional and/or educational references to Kathryn Hopps, Student Enrichment Administrator, at khopps@umd.edu. 

For additional information about this position, please phone or email Jackie Dostourian, NPS Washington Partnership Office, at 202-354-2182 or Jackie_Dostourian@nps.gov.