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Paid Summer Internship-Marketing, Events & Nonprofit Operations

Sandy Hook Foundation
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2026 Summer Internships

Scope of Work

The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS) at Sandy Hook, NJ, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Established in 1989, the Foundation supports cultural, educational, and environmental programs and plays an active role in restoring and preserving Sandy Hook’s historic resources.

Working in partnership with the NPS, SHF interns gain firsthand, hands-on experience supporting a nationally significant park, engaging with a diverse public audience, and contributing to the Foundation’s mission to protect, preserve, and enhance Sandy Hook for future generations.

In Partnership

Through public programs, events, retail operations, and on-site engagement, the Sandy Hook Foundation connects with the more than 2.2 million visitors to Sandy Hook each year. Interns will be based primarily at the historic Spermaceti U.S. Lifesaving Station No. 2 (LSS) and will support summer activities that promote the Foundation’s work both on-site at the LSS and off-site at other park locations or in Monmouth County.

As Sandy Hook Foundation interns, those selected will serve as frontline representatives of the Foundation and are expected to professionally and responsibly represent both SHF and our park partner, the NPS at Sandy Hook. This position offers direct exposure to nonprofit operations within a unique public–private partnership.

Summer 2026 Internship Overview

The Sandy Hook Foundation is seeking two part-time, paid summer interns for Summer 2026. These internships are designed for students or recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in nonprofit operations, marketing, communications, events, programs, and visitor engagement within a National Park setting.

Interns will support SHF’s programming and retail presence at the LSS, a shared space with NPS. Reopened following extensive post–Superstorm Sandy renovations, the building welcomes visitors to explore educational materials, learn about the park and its history, attend programs, and shop for Sandy Hook merchandise that supports the Foundation’s mission.

In addition to on-site responsibilities, interns will contribute to digital storytelling and behind-the-scenes projects that support SHF’s outreach and development efforts.

Compensation and Benefits

Interns will receive a summer stipend of $4,500 for approximately fifteen weeks of work, averaging 26 hours per week.

Additional benefits include: - Free park access during Summer 2026 - Paid annual parking pass (valued at $100) - Sandy Hook Foundation sweatshirt - Professional development through hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, marketing, event support, retail management, and public engagement.

Spending the summer with the Sandy Hook Foundation offers valuable insight into careers in the nonprofit sector and with the National Park Service, while working in a distinctive coastal and historic environment.

Management and Oversight

Interns will report directly to the Sandy Hook Foundation’s Director of Marketing, Events, and Programs, who will oversee daily tasks, provide training, and offer mentorship. Interns will also interact with the Executive Director and Development Associate, who may request project support, and will regularly work alongside SHF staff and volunteers at the LSS.

Through this structure, interns gain exposure to cross-functional nonprofit work, including marketing, communications, programs, and development support.

Internship Schedule and General Requirements

  • Commitment to working at the LSS on Sandy Hook five days per week (Thursday–Monday) for approximately fifteen weeks, beginning around May 21, 2026 (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
  • Weekend work is required both days, from 8:45 am–4:00 pm
  • Monday, Thursday, and Friday hours will be 12:00–4:00 pm, with occasional adjustments based on programming needs
  • Return-to-school dates will not affect internship eligibility; compensation will be adjusted for weeks unavailable due to fall semester start dates
  • Ability to travel to and from the park using a personal vehicle
  • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs and navigate stairs

Desired Qualifications

  • Strong interest in SHF’s mission and public service
  • Interest in careers related to nonprofit management, marketing, communications, fundraising, event planning, or public programs
  • Comfort engaging with the public in a professional and welcoming manner
  • Tech-savvy and interested in learning new tools and platforms
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, seasonal work environment
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Roles, Responsibilities, and Learning Opportunities

Visitor Engagement and Store Operations

  • Serve as an official representative of SHF at the LSS and throughout the park
  • Open and close the retail space according to established operating procedures
  • Create a welcoming environment for visitors and assist with questions and purchases
  • Process retail transactions and handle payments accurately

Merchandising and Business Support

  • Observe and respond to sales trends
  • Learn principles of product and visual merchandising
  • Assist with inventory tracking and point-of-sale systems
  • Participate in regular check-ins with the Director to review store performance and suggest improvements

Marketing, Communications, and Content Creation

  • Assist with content creation for SHF’s website, email communications, and social media channels
  • Support social media marketing efforts, including drafting posts, capturing photos or short videos, and tracking engagement
  • Learn how digital storytelling supports nonprofit mission-driven work

CRM and Data Management

  • Support the maintenance and organization of SHF’s constituent relationship management (CRM) system
  • Assist with data entry, updates, and basic reporting related to donors, partners, and event participants
  • Gain exposure to how CRM tools support marketing, communications, and development efforts

Programming and Events Support

  • Assist with planning and on-site support for SHF and NPS public programs held at the LSS, other park locations, or SHF-sponsored events in Monmouth County
  • Help implement program logistics and visitor-facing activities
  • Contribute ideas to enhance visitor experiences and program offerings

Organizational and Park Knowledge

  • Learn about the Sandy Hook Foundation’s history, mission, and partnership with the National Park Service
  • Develop knowledge of the LSS building and Sandy Hook to answer visitor questions and provide accurate information
  • Use this knowledge to enhance public engagement and represent SHF confidently

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Sandy Hook Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and encourages applications from individuals underrepresented in the environmental and nonprofit fields, including people of color and those with nontraditional educational or professional backgrounds. All applications will be considered without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, size, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other protected status.