Who we are and what we do

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) is a collaborative between a U.S. non-profit organization and a Canadian public charity that together connect and protect habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. Yellowstone to Yukon takes a scientific and collaborative approach to conservation, and highlights and focuses on local issues that affect the region. Y2Y has partnered with over 790 scientists, conservation groups, landowners, government agencies, Indigenous governments and communities and businesses to stitch together this landscape. Without a unified vision for this deeply interconnected landscape, local conservation efforts may be isolated and less effective.

Y2Y seeks to ensure conservation efforts are aligned in support of large-scale objectives and therefore become continentally significant. Today, Y2Y is recognized as one of the planet’s leading mountain conservation initiatives. For more information, please visit www.y2y.net. 

Who we’re looking for

As the Media Relations Intern, this is your opportunity to effect real change in one of our planet’s globally significant landscapes – the Yellowstone to Yukon region, the world’s most intact mountain wilderness. As part of a passionate team of communicators and conservationists, your internship will have a tangible impact on the reach and reputation of the Yellowstone to Yukon organization and region. You will also experience and learn valuable and practical media relations skills to help further your career as a writer, journalist, reporter or communications professional.

As the Media Relations Intern, you are a great writer and relationship builder, quick thinking and nimble on your feet, and fast to learn how to connect media inquiries to the right spokesperson at Y2Y.

Key responsibilities include supporting the Media Relations Manager with proactive and reactive media opportunities and inquiries, monitoring and reporting on media hits, and contributing to one of our most important social media channels, LinkedIn.

The responsibilities of this role include:

Proactive & Reactive Media Relations 

• Assist in writing press releases and creating media distribution lists for press releases and pitch materials for Y2Y's conservation projects and campaigns.
• Support the preparation of key messages or briefing materials for internal and/or external needs, and organizational spokespeople.
• Support the planning and execution of media events, including press conferences and a media tour for 2026.
• Create at least two proactive media pitches and work on placing in a strategic media outlet.
• Draft background materials, fact sheets, and Q&As on key conservation issues.

Media Relationship & Outreach Management 

• Support Y2Y’s media list management and research media contacts across the Y2Y region.
• Contribute to social media content on Y2Y’s LinkedIn channel to enhance Y2Y’s reputation through the sharing of media coverage and conservation stories.
• Research media trends and opportunities related to wildlife conservation, habitat connectivity, and environmental policy.

Media Monitoring & Performance 

• Monitor media coverage across print, broadcast, and digital platforms; compile media clips and track metrics using Meltwater.

General Administrative Support to Marketing & Communications Team 

• Participate in conservation program meetings to attain a general understanding of Y2Y’s work and priorities.
• Participate in weekly Marketing and Communications team meetings, bi-monthly all staff meetings and other meetings as needed.

The ideal candidate for this role has the following

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in communications, journalism, public relations, environmental studies, or related fields.
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail and ability to communicate complex conservation concepts clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Dedicated interest in wildlife conservation, environmental issues, and/or the Y2Y region.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset.

The following attributes and skills are an asset: 

• Passionate about connecting people with nature and advancing conservation.
• Knowledge of conservation ecology, wildlife corridors, or landscape connectivity.
• Experience with media monitoring tools and databases.
• Basic graphic design and photo editing skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong understanding of AP style and journalism ethics practices.
• Previous internship or experience in communications, journalism, or conservation.
• Eagerto learn about media relations and environmental communications. 
• Adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity in a dynamic, nonprofit environment.
• Commitment to Y2Y's approach to work - through collaboration, science-based conservation, inclusive partnerships -and to Y2Y’s core values being bold by nature and rooted in relationships.

Terms of Employment

• Part-time internship position (20 hours per week) for a maximum duration of five months (ideally April through August).
• Location: We offer a hybrid or remote approach to work depending on the candidate’s location, and while preference may be given to candidates located in in the Yellowstone to Yukon region (Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon), we are open to all strong, engaged candidates interested in developing a communications career.

Additional Information

At Y2Y we value diversity — in backgrounds and in experience, and we need people from all backgrounds to help achieve our mission of connecting and protecting habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. Y2Y’s team is empathetic, caring, and supportive. We are intentional about the team and culture that we are building, seeking team members that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth.

Recognizing that communities thrive when everyone has fair access to opportunities, Y2Y values a broad range of perspectives, fosters a culture of respect and belonging, and upholds principles of fairness, environmental responsibility, and social justice. We oppose actions and policies that undermine these commitments within the projects and work that we do in advancing the Y2Y vision on the ground.

Short, preliminary interviews may be held via conference call or Zoom. If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application or interview process you may contact, in confidence, Denise Ludlow, HR Consultant at denise@y2y.net. For general inquiries you may contact, careers@y2y.net.