Strategic Communications Intern

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

Political Affairs supports advocacy of EDF’s core priorities on Capitol Hill and in states. This work spans from State Affairs in EDF Action, the advocacy partner of EDF, where politics meets political campaigns. Communications is a key role in Political Affairs as we work to craft the best messages for the right messengers.

Overall Function

The intern will support research and communications efforts, with key responsibilities including building a network of validators and storytellers across the U.S. These messengers—such as farmers, nurses, anglers, small business owners, youth, and faith community members—are essential in advancing our work, as they are among the most trusted voices in society.

Additionally, the intern will contribute to research and outreach within the Hispanic media market, a key market area for expanding our presence and impact. This internship offers valuable insight into the fundamentals of climate communications and the role it plays in advocacy and public engagement. The intern will be supervised by the Communications Director, EDF Action

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Research climate and environmental messengers, including validators who reinforce EDF’s messages and storytellers whose lived experiences support advocacy efforts.
• Assist the Communications Director in navigating comms and advocacy for Political Affairs in states.
• Prepare a final work product around storytellers/validators and the Hispanic media market.
• Support Political Affairs in writing, editing, research, reporter engagement, events, and more, to better understand and learn the role.
• Contribute to developing a strategy and approach for the Hispanic media market.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Graduate Degree program.
• Demonstrated interest in communications, research, political affairs.
• Coursework in communications, political science recommended.
• Experience in writing and research
• Basic proficiency in MS Outlook/suite, spreadsheets, databases, grammar
• 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.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in Washington, D.C. Intern supervisor is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and many team members are in Washington, D.C.

Term

Summer 2025 (12 weeks)

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation

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

Application Materials

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

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships