Field Operations Intern, State Affairs

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Program/Department Overview

The Field Operations team sits within the State Affairs team. The team advocates for EDF priorities to policymakers from those policymakers’ home state or district. The Field Ops headquarters team, based in the Washington, DC office, coordinates with other EDF staff working on those same priorities, including Federal Affairs, MarComm, state staff, and program staff.  Field Ops manages and supports consultants and funded partner groups who engage specific policymakers as part of EDF’s overall strategy.

Overall Function

The Intern will help with legislative strategy. Which includes executing the team’s communication plan, coordinating with the state affairs state teams, and assisting with conducting research towards outreach efforts in the team’s key target states to build out our in-state networks. The intern will report to the Project Coordinator for State Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to

• Assist in field efforts to build support for federal and state climate and clean energy initiatives.
• Perform and conduct outreach research in key target states.
• Support collaboration and coordination across EDF teams in key target states.
• Support in the planning and execution of events.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Facilitate consistent and effective communications among all program staff.
• Support for digital organizing in key target states.
• Assist in efforts to cultivate engaging materials for current and future Advocacy Network members.
• Perform analysis of public officials and institutions that will impact climate and clean energy policy, including researching and reviewing public records.
• Monitor relevant legislative activity including congressional oversight related to climate change.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Communications, Political Science, or related field. Applicant must have at least 2 years of collegiate experience by the start of the internship.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.
• Problem-solving, interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, virtually and cooperatively with staff, consultants, partner organizations and volunteers.
• Demonstrated interest in online organizing, digital communications and political engagement.
• Experience with advocacy campaigns a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and email tools.
• Commitment to EDF’s strategic approach, combined with enthusiasm for working on complex issues.

Location

Hybrid out of Washington, DC or U.S. Remote

Term

12 weeks

Hours

35 hours per week

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $17 - $20 /hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $17.00/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.