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 

This position will give an intern the opportunity to support two teams within the People & Culture department: the Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) team and the Business Partners (PCBP) team. 

The intern will play a critical role in the successful implementation of major ODL initiatives (e.g. onboarding/orientation revamp, manager development program, competency model update). The intern will provide support for the centralized training program, and the launch of reformatted orientation learning sessions. They will also assist with reorganizing the People and Culture lending library. 

To be successful the individual needs to be creative, a good team player and a problem solver, and action oriented. The individual should know how to navigate the grey areas, and succeed by finding a way where there was not one before. 

 Internship Description:  

• Assist with planning and scheduling the centralized training calendar, including participation in planning meetings with consultants and learning partners, preparing contracts for learning partners and consultants, designing and disseminating all-staff communications, etc.  

• Participate in/support major ODL initiatives such as onboarding/orientation revamp, manager development program, etc. 

• Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to clearly define the responsibilities of People Managers versus Business Partners. 

• Organize and maintain employee folders on WWF systems, ensuring job descriptions are current and properly filed. 

• Support additional projects and tasks as needed to meet organizational goals. 

• Perform other duties and take on other responsibilities as required according to organizational needs. 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, Psychology, or a related field. 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). 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with data: interpret and automation. 

• High-level proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite and video-conferencing platforms (i.e., Zoom, Teams, etc.) and other data analysis tools. 

• Excellent attention to detail, self-motivated, and organizational abilities. 

• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills. 

• People skills – friendly, open to feedback, high self-awareness. 

• Excellent research skills, data management and synthesis. 

• Interest and basic knowledge in workplace learning and development.  

• Able to work independently and as a team member. 

• Able to critically analyze issues and solve problems. 

• Able to take initiative with high-level instructions to accomplish work and move things forward. 

• Able to meet deadlines as planned.  

• 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:  

• Background or interest in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Compensation, Benefits or Total Rewards 

• Using software applications, i.e., Workday, SharePoint, Microsoft Forms, and Airtable 

• Web design  

• Corporate planning  

Learning Outcomes 

• Ability to have a deep understanding of how the People & Culture function supports and influences the organization 

• Effective data usage and report formatting 

• Action-oriented/creative problem-solving 

• Dealing with ambiguity/adaptability 

• Building working relationships 

• Project and time management 

• Gain exposure to a holistic approach in improving workforce effectiveness and achieving organization’s bottom-line goals 

• Develop technical, collaboration, and communication skills regarding workplace processes and relationships 

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.