Position Description:
The Sloth Institute (TSI) is seeking a dedicated, organized, and creative On-Site Social Media & Marketing Intern to support our conservation efforts in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
This is a structured, full-time, on-site internship designed for individuals interested in ethical wildlife conservation, nonprofit marketing, digital storytelling, and mission-driven communications.
The intern will work directly under the supervision of the team leadership and serve as operational support for marketing initiatives. This role goes beyond content creation. It involves executing strategic plans, maintaining workflow systems, supporting fundraising efforts, assisting with website optimization, and contributing to measurable growth across digital platforms.
Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Minimum Stay: 3 months (with potential to extend)
Start Date: Rolling
Because TSI is not open to the public and relies entirely on donations, grants, and partnerships, marketing directly supports conservation outcomes. Every piece of content contributes to funding rescues, research, rehabilitation, education, and habitat protection.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
The intern works as the right-hand support to the Marketing Supervisor. This includes carrying out the editorial calendar, adhering to branding standards, organizing assets, drafting content, supporting fundraising campaigns, and helping implement marketing systems.
This role requires initiative, accountability, adaptability, and the ability to operate within an established structure.
- Degree or coursework in marketing, communications, photography, non-profit / business administration, or similar
- Passion for ethical wildlife conservation
- Strong written communication skills
- Photography and videography proficiency
- Familiarity with social media channels – Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube
- Experience using Canva or similar tools with a basic understanding of branding and graphic design skills
- Familiarity with social media planner platforms such as Planable or similar
- Understanding of SEO and blog optimization (preferred)
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Professional and receptive to feedback
- Comfortable working outdoors in tropical conditions and in busy workspace environments
- Fluent in English (Spanish is a plus)
- Must provide own media/camera kit (mirrorless or DSLR) and a high-quality smartphone
This is a structured internship intended to mirror professional, dynamic nonprofit marketing environments.
WORK SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS
Required Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
On-site presence is required to capture:
- Sloth releases
- Surgeries and veterinary procedures
- Emergency rescues
- Field research
- Updated sloth profile images
- Time-sensitive conservation moments
EDUCATIONAL AND WORKPLACE INTERNSHIP BENEFITS:
- Hands-on nonprofit marketing experience
- Field-based conservation documentation
- Structured reporting and analytics training
- Real-world campaign execution experience
- A portfolio of conservation storytelling work
- Insight into ethical wildlife communications
- Professional mentorship in conservation marketing
- Opportunity for a professional letter of recommendation or referral for job placement
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Editorial Calendar Execution
- Execute the monthly marketing plan created by leadership
- Draft, edit, and upload posts into Planable (TSI’s social media planning platform)
- Ensure all content follows TSI branding guidelines, tone, and ethical standards.
- Maintain consistency across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms
Content Creation & Documentation Capture
- All sloth releases
Surgeries and treatments (when appropriate) - Field and research activity
Ensure visuals meet welfare and stress-level guidelines - Maintain organized, labeled archives in Google Drive
Website & Blog Management
- Publish blog posts
- Format content correctly (headers, SEO, images, categories, tags)
- Optimize new and existing blog posts
- Assist in improving website structure and clarity
- Write bi-weekly or assigned blog articles aligned with TSI’s four pillars
- Understand basic website design principles and user experience
Fundraising & Campaign Support
- Support seasonal campaigns (e.g., Slinder, Slothtober, Earth Day, EOY Giving, and more)
- Assist in developing campaign messaging
- Align CTAs with program priorities
- Track engagement and donation-related performance
- Help brainstorm new digital fundraising ideas within brand guidelines
Analytics & Performance Tracking
- Monitor social media performance metrics
- Analyze what content performs well and why
- Write and maintain a daily, weekly, and monthly status report and monthly analytics report
- Suggest improvements based on data
Marketing Operations & Systems
- Maintain organized Drive folders
- Follow file naming conventions
- Help build media libraries
- Assist with email marketing support (when applicable)
- Maintain workflow discipline within Planable
- Ensure brand consistency across all assets
Salary & Funding
This is a voluntary/self-funded internship. Shared accommodations and basic meals are provided. WiFi, electricity, and running water are included. Interns are responsible for travel, immigration, and insurance costs.
Term of Internship
Must be willing to stay for at least 3 months, with an option to extend upon review.