Audubon Development Internship Program for BIPOC Student Leaders

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the field of conservation is an important strategic priority for the National Audubon Society (Audubon). To further this priority, Audubon is identifying opportunities to recruit, support, retain, and advance emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders in the conservation field, including through exposure to non-profit management and operations. An early initiative is the Audubon Development Internship Program for BIPOC Student Leaders, which launched summer 2021. We are resuming this program in 2023.

The program builds upon an alliance created in 2021 between Audubon’s Development Office and the College of the Holy Cross (Holy Cross). Holy Cross is a New England, Jesuit liberal arts college that has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability for more than a decade. The College considers safeguarding the environment for future generations a reflection of its Jesuit mission and is committed to reaching net-zero emission by 2040. Audubon’s Vice President for Principal Giving, Danita Beck Wickwire graduated in 1994 and will oversee the effort with members of the Development Management Team and Development Senior Leaders.

Applicants must provide a cover letter that describes their interest in the position, a resume to include details on any academic, extracurricular, or community projects managed by the applicant. This could include on academic projects, student leadership roles, and participation in community projects in Worcester, their home community, or elsewhere, e.g., the Appalachia Service Project.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

During the internship, you will pursue work in the following areas with the aligned tasks as listed:

• CEO/CCO Development Staffing—Create and catalogue templates and select materials to support Executive Team deployment in development.
• Development Communications—Support the re-launch of eBlast donor newsletter and the Roost: Development Newsletter; Promote strategic material use among Relationship Managers.
• Stewardship—Develop and maintain donor lists for Annual Report consideration; conduct inventory of donor recognition across the organization.
• Additional duties as assigned to support management and overall development team.

Internship Benefits
Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Gain an understanding of the Audubon’s role in conservation;
• Consider career opportunities in conservation, development, or related roles;
• Learn the essential role of development within a non-profit organization; and
• Enhance relationship-building skills that are necessary in all careers, especially development.

At the end of the internship, it is intended that this individual will have completed several experiential learning assignments and gained an understanding of how a professional development operation expands opportunities through strategic vision, innovation, collaboration, and sound leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current enrollment at the College of the Holy Cross.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading peers and others in group projects (academic, extracurricular or other community projects.)
• Interest in conservation, fundraising, environmental justice, social justice, and/or non-profit management,.
• Self-motivation and the ability to stay on task without direct supervision, especially in a remote environment.
• A deep commitment to cultural competence will be prioritized in the search process.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.