BR-2338 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Youth Engagement Undergraduate Intern

Overview

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

WWF seeks a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Undergraduate Intern. The intern will support the Program Manager of Early Talent Diversity Programs in researching and developing an analysis for how WWF and Smithsonian Institution can scale up the Earth Optimism Youth Action Leadership program nationwide. The intern will also have an opportunity to contribute to other WWF DEI-related projects.

In the Earth Optimism program, high school students in Maryland and across the country are introduced to environmental literacy and leadership skills to inspire positive change in their communities. Students in Earth Optimism identify environmental issues in their local community and execute project-based solutions. WWF is researching how to scale up this partnership to support additional underserved communities, including but not limited to minority, low-income, and rural students.

Responsibilities

Internship Description:

• Learn about the existing Earth Optimism Youth Action Leadership model and how the program has been deployed within Maryland and across the country.

• Research potential regions in the U.S. for WWF and Smithsonian to expand the program, considering geographies where WWF has existing networks or are doing conservation work.

• Develop a set of criteria (including DEI considerations) for how to select and prioritize regions to expand Earth Optimism.

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

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

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date.

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program, such as in Environmental Studies, Education, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Other areas of study highly encouraged to apply.

• Ability to conduct research, including but not limited to using online resources and engaging relevant stakeholders.

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

• 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:

• A vested interest in youth education and engagement, especially for underserved communities.
• Experience working with high school level youth.

Learning Outcomes

• Exposure to how a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion function operates within a large conservation organization.
• Project management skills.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Opportunities to liaise with WWF’s conservation, fundraising, and education-focused teams.

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

Compensation:

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

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 5, 2023 to August 11, 2023

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition# BR-2338. 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 intern must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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.