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

As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Intern, you will work on exciting and creative projects to support WWF’s DEI team in its efforts to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds. You will learn recruiting fundamentals, engage with candidates, collaborate with partners, sharpen your project management skills, and attend virtual and/or in-person events. This position will also help with special projects involving WWF’s Employee Resource Group program. The intern will also have an opportunity to contribute to other WWF DEI-related projects. In addition to role-specific duties, all interns participate in robust programming which includes professional development activities, cross-functional projects, exposure to senior leaders, networking events, and site tours. The goal of these activities is to help you envision the many exciting opportunities that are ahead of you as you build your career with WWF.

• Partner with other teams (Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Marketing, Diversity Inclusion & Belonging, Workforce Analytics) to assist with recruitment processes and strategies.

• Assist with research, planning, and implementation of strategic DEI initiatives by supporting the analysis of data, streamlining processes, and generating reports.

• Communicate effectively to strengthen relationships with external partners (e.g. professional organizations) and internal stakeholders (e.g. Employee Resource Groups)

• Research and provide recommendations on resources for building and retaining diverse talent.

• Conduct analysis of existing processes and help ensure that WWF’s diverse global workforce is well-supported.

• Present research findings to WWF teams, including those in leadership.

• Provide support on other DEI-related projects such as the DEI Newsletter to other team members, as needed.

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in Environmental Studies, Education, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 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 17, 2024).
• Ability to conduct research, including but not limited to using online resources and engaging relevant stakeholders.

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and able to work autonomously.
• Goal oriented and deadline driven.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently in junior or senior year of undergraduate studies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Initiative, drive, and creativity.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in DE&I initiatives.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Exposure to how a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion function operates within a large conservation organization.
• Project management skills.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• How to implement select DEI programs and talent pipelining knowledge into practice.
• The benefits of networking internally at WWF and gaining overall additional networking skills.
• Understanding the culture of a global conservation non-profit organization/workplace.
• Listening and receiving professional feedback.

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, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

Compensation:

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

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 17, 2024 to August 23, 2024

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition #BR-2404

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 interns must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

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.