IFAW Right Whale Campaign Intern -- Summer 2023
Position: IFAW Right Whale Campaign Intern
Location: Virtual/remote OR hybrid (Washington, DC office)
Application deadlines: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through April 10, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Term: Approximately 10-12 weeks with a possibility of extension. Start date is flexible (will depend upon candidates' academic/professional schedules).
Eligibility: Undergraduate (2+ years completed); recent college graduate (BS or BA); advanced degree candidates/recipients.
Schedule: Start and end dates for the internship are flexible but preferably a start date of no later than June 2023. Interns may work full-time or part-time, with a preferred commitment of at least 10 weeks and 20+ hours per week, although exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Compensation: Internships are categorized as unpaid for purposes of Handshake posts, but students will receive a stipend and/or may seek academic credit if available through their academic institutions (students should consult with academic faculty to determine eligibility for academic credit.)
About us: IFAW was founded in 1969 and its driving mission is to save individual animals, animal populations, and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW also provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, whether dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or animals affected by natural disasters.
Internship overview: IFAW is seeking an intern to support their marine conservation work, primarily under their North Atlantic right whale campaign that addresses whale entanglement, vessel strikes, and fisheries management reform through efforts including lobbying, grassroots campaigning, and field science, among other activities.
The successful candidate may be responsible for assignments including but not limited to:
· Monitoring news and events relevant to IFAW’s marine projects;
· Drafting letters, fact sheets, and reports;
· Performing a variety of research tasks and analyzing data sets;
· Helping with movement building along the East Coast and grassroots outreach;
· Reviewing policy proposals;
· Representing IFAW at coalition meetings, conference calls, hearings, and other events;
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have an interest in marine conservation, wildlife policy, and animal protection (prior experience is not necessary) as well as a willingness to learn about how they can make a difference for animals through education, outreach, and policy. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in conservation, government relations, and working at the interface of public policy, community engagement, and science.
We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:
· Completion of at least two years of undergraduate education in a relevant field;
· Experience or interest in natural sciences such as biology, ecology, environmental science or a related field OR experience or interest in marine social science or a related field;
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
· Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
· Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and shifting priorities;
· Interest in and knowledge of campaigning, education, and outreach;
· Familiarity and experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
· Availability to work remotely/virtually or in a hybrid setting (Washington, DC office) for 20+ hours per week during the internship term.
In addition to the qualifications listed above, ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
· Knowledge of and experience with marine policy and advocacy;
· Interest in and/or experience with applied science;
· Ability to analyze and synthesize large data sets;
· Familiarity with federal environmental laws that protect marine mammals, such as the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
If your qualifications do not match these qualifications above but you are passionate about the issue and our work, do not hesitate to send your application our way. We will review all applicants.
How to apply: Submit an application through Handshake or submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the internship to kcollins@ifaw.org with the subject line “RIGHT WHALE CAMPAIGN INTERN”. Please include your likely start date and proposed internship length.
Contact: Please direct any questions related to this position to kcollins@ifaw.org or sseaberg@ifaw.org.
At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, age, sex, citizenship or immigration status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neurodiversity, disability status, family or marital status, or criminal history.