IFAW Right Whale Campaign Intern

Position: IFAW Right Whale Campaign Intern 

Location: Hybrid (Washington, DC office)

Application deadlines: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through April 21, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Term: Approximately 10-12 weeks with a possibility of extension. Start date is flexible dependent 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 the start date can be no later than June 2024. 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. 

Interns will be expected to be in the office 4 days/month when DC-based staff go into the office (typically 2 days every other week) and attend DC-based events when needed.

Compensation: Internships are categorized as unpaid for purposes of Handshake posts, but students will receive a stipend based on hours worked 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 US marine conservation work, under their North Atlantic right whale campaign that addresses the threats of entanglement, vessel strikes, 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: 

• Assisting in tabling at key events, such as Capitol Hill Ocean Week
• Performing a variety of research tasks and analyzing datasets;
• Assist the right whale campaign team with outreach and education tasks as requested
• Representing IFAW at coalition meetings, conference calls, hearings, and other events;
• Monitoring news and events relevant to IFAW’s marine projects;
• Drafting fact sheets, reports, social media content, and other informational materials;
• Conducting outreach for the Whale Alert app, developing materials, and pitching creative advertisement opportunities;
• Helping with event planning;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have an interest in marine conservation and wildlife policy, (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 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 animal 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 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: 

• Ability to confidently speak with community members, partners, and other stakeholders in person and virtually;
• Knowledge of and experience with marine policy and advocacy;
• Interest in and/or experience with applied science.

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 sseaberg@ifaw.org with the subject line “RIGHT WHALE CAMPAIGN INTERN”. Please include your proposed 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, neurodivergence, disability status, family or marital status, or criminal history.