Communications Intern at Oceana in Washington, DC, USA, Washington, DC

Do you want to make a difference protecting and restoring the abundance of the world’s oceans? Oceana, the world’s largest advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, is looking for a Communications Intern to join the Global Marketing and Communications team. The Communications Intern is responsible for tracking and circulating Oceana’s press coverage in the United States and internationally, conducting media research, building media lists, and drafting and editing communications materials.

The intern ultimately helps Oceana’s communications team achieve its goals of increasing public awareness of Oceana and raising the organization’s profile among key audiences. The position requires someone who is detail- and team-oriented, organized, interested in conservation issues, and familiar with news organizations.

Strong candidates for this position will be recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. The Communications Intern reports to Oceana’s International Communications Director. This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and based in Washington, DC.

Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to be considered.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Track and report press coverage on Oceana’s U.S. and international campaigns.
• Produce regular coverage reports summarizing Oceana’s global media hits.
• Draft media reports for Oceana’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
• Maintain and update media lists for Oceana’s U.S. and international campaigns.
• Draft and edit materials for Oceana’s Global Marketing and Communications department, including blog posts, pitches, press releases, social media posts, and more.
• Conduct media research and other appropriate tasks for Oceana’s communications team as needed.

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience:

• College student or recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Motivated self-starter who takes initiative to complete tasks
• Journalism or media relations experience is a plus, but not required
• Familiarity with Meltwater (and/or other media tracking software) is a plus, but not required
• Interest in ocean conservation and Oceana’s campaigns is a plus

Required Competencies:

• Action Oriented: Makes things happen. Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Instills Trust: Is able to gain the confidence and trust of others by demonstrating honesty and authenticity, acting with integrity, and being consistent and credible.
• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. Has a reputation of taking ownership and responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures.
• Effective Communication: Understands the value of effective communication. Can deliver messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Actively listens, checks for understanding, and adjusts content and style to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
• Customer Focus: Is skilled at anticipating customer needs (internal and external) and providing services that are beyond customer expectations. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships.

The compensation for this role is $18.50 – $22.50 hourly.

Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is working to restore the resilience, diversity, and abundance of marine ecosystems to ensure that our oceans are a significant source of wild-caught fish that can help feed the world.

We achieve measurable change by conducting specific, science-based campaigns with fixed deadlines and articulated goals. Our campaigns extend to countries that, combined, govern nearly one-quarter of the world’s wild-caught fish, including Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ghana, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool

Please apply and submit your cover letter by September 11, 2026