WWF Overview  

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.  

Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible — bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.  

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration. 

BRIDGE – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence 

WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations. 

Position Summary 

WWF seeks a Corporate Philanthropy Intern on the Private Sector Engagement Division (PSE). The intern assists the PSE team in the development and management of corporate partnerships to advance WWF’s conservation mission. Specifically, this role will work on 2-3 discrete projects that will support cultivating new philanthropic partnerships, as well as steward existing corporate partners, through research and analysis, prospecting, proposal development, and compelling outreach. 

Internship Description: 

• Support the corporate philanthropy team on 2-3 discrete projects.   
• Research and analyze companies and their philanthropic giving to identify opportunities for partnership.  
• Supports the development of key materials including PowerPoints, talking points, partnership activity summaries, executive briefing memos and more, related to the development and retention of new and existing corporate partners and internal communications.  

• Attends calls and meetings with WWF staff, stakeholders and corporate partners, compiling notes as necessary, summarizing key points and action items in collaboration with Supervisor.  
• Other tasks as assigned to support departmental goals. 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date. 
• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program. 
• Interest in philanthropy, new business development, sustainability, and/or environmental issues. 
• Ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and proofread - i.e. systematic approach to manage the little things.  
• Reliable and consistent follow-through.  

• Ability to synthesize many types of technical and anecdotal info and identify useful follow-up actions.  
• Active listening skills that foster strong working relationships.  
• Excellent written communications skills.  
• Strong organizational skills that support collaborative teamwork. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Google Drive platform. 

• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:  

• Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.  
• Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.  
• Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.  
• Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• 0 - 2 years of coursework or professional experience in account management, philanthropy, or new-business development field.  
• Experience with conservation and sustainability. 

• Excellent research skills.  
• Attention to detail.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Practical experience on how to develop, structure, and manage philanthropic and strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and their foundations.  
• Knowledge of opportunities for companies to contribute to environmental conservation.  
• Improved cross-cultural communication by engaging a variety of global experts and stakeholders. 

WWF interns will be provided a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes: 

• Development discussions with their manager; 
• Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program; 
• Speed mentoring with different WWF teams; 

• Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff; 
• Session on resume and interviewing best practices. 

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.  

Location: 

US-DC-Washington or US-Remote: WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming. 

Compensation: 

Paid - $17 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week) 

Internship Dates: 

Internship will run from June 5, 2023 to August 11, 2023 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers Page, Requisition# BR-2329. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship. 

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.  

* Please note that intern must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa. 

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.  

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.