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 – with one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.    

At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine 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 is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway. 

Position Summary 

WWF seeks a Forests, Communications Undergraduate Intern to further the WWF-US Forest team’s efforts to conserve the world’s forests to sustain nature’s diversity, benefit our climate, and support human well-being. 

This position will help advance the Forest team’s major initiatives and the organization’s forest conservation goals and contribute to the overall success of the team’s programmatic communications. 

Internship Description: 

The Forest team at WWF-US seeks an intern to help develop and write stories and to identify opportunities for social media engagement. In addition, this person will support program staff presentations, including creating PowerPoint decks and drafting messaging. This position will support the Forest team’s communications efforts with internal and external audiences and help implement defined strategies and projects. This position will report to the Senior Communications Specialist, Forests. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and write forest-focused stories and other communications materials, such as web content, blogs, team newsletters, and bios 

• Collaborate with WWF’s Marketing and Communications team to publish and promote content 

• Help identify opportunities for social media promotion to highlight programmatic achievements, breaking forest-related news, recognition days, advocacy efforts, etc. 

• Draft social media posts for promoting and supporting projects 

• Track key engagement metrics 

• Support program staff presentations, including creating PowerPoint decks and drafting messaging 

• Help verify forest-related facts 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in journalism, public relations/communications, or conservation. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 16, 2025). 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Strong research skills. 

• Strong organizational/analytical skills. 

• Motivated self-starter able to take projects and run with them. 

• Ability to prioritize deadlines. 

• Attention to detail. 

• 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: 

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required: 

• Writing and editing skills 

• Journalism, public relations/communications, or conservation experience 

Learning Outcomes 

• Insight into nonprofit strategic communications practices 

• Understanding of critical issues impacting forests 

• Experience writing, editing, and developing internal and external communications materials, including web stories, blogs, key messaging, newsletter content, and more 

• Experience translating scientific material into engaging and accessible content 

• Fact-checking skills 

• Social media experience, including an understanding of metrics 

WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team. 

Location: 

US-DC-Washington  

**This is a hybrid position that requires the intern to be in the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office a minimum of 2 days per week.** 

Compensation: 

Paid - $20.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week) 

Internship Dates: 

Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe: 

• Your relevant skills and interest for this position 

• Your connection to nature and the environment  

• What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation? 

• How you could contribute to the field of conservation. 

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

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.