Grantmaking and Research Intern

11th Hour Racing establishes strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities to promote collaborative, systemic change benefitting the health of our ocean – one degree at a time. Since 2010, the organization has been harnessing the power of sport with an innovative and comprehensive approach through three primary areas of engagement: sponsorships, grantees, and ambassadors

11th Hour Racing’s mission is to foster connections for healthy sea, land, and people and invest in innovative, sustainable solutions for the health of the ocean and our communities. We inspire positive actions through sport, shape vision about what is possible through storytelling, and catalyze impact through strategic grant-making. We are looking for a mature college student interested in research related to grantmaking, the maritime industry, and, ideally, the intersection of sport and ocean health to join our team for Summer 2025. The intern will work with our small in-house grantmaking team and will get hands-on experience from the funder side of ocean health-related grant work.

The internship is an hourly, paid full-time role in the 11th Hour Racing offices; final schedule to be agreed upon between the intern and the company. The internship can be taken for course credit as well if the student so desires. This position is based in Newport, RI, housing stipend is available for qualified applicants.

The chosen candidate will work primarily on research for a range of issues related to our grantmaking in fields related to the maritime industry, coastal restoration, experiential and STEM education, and technologies and best practices to advance ocean health and address climate change. The primary focus of this internship will be research. Areas of research for the 2025 internship include the maritime industry and marine shipping policy, municipal composting and composting solutions, and/or land-sea connections related to fertilizer use and policies. The intern is expected to interact closely with 11th Hour Racing staff members and engage with a wide range of grantees. The intern will be given responsibilities based on experience and skills.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Conduct research on emerging initiatives and prospective grantees related to the program’s grantmaking strategy or 11HR overall programming. Potential research projects include compost initiatives with municipalities, local and regional ordinances related to fertilizer use in coastal communities, renewable wind energy, and/or innovation in the marine industry and marine shipping policy or landscape analysis.
• Investigate and share findings of current initiatives and research in experiential education, community-based composting, and ecosystem restoration as they relate to organizational objectives.
• Compare and contrast state, national, and international innovations and practices related to our various grantmaking strategies and maritime industry developments in key geographies.
• Draft short reports, memos, briefs, correspondence, and other written materials in support of ongoing initiatives.
• Assist in the review and evaluation of some grant proposals and final reports.
• Assist in maintaining positive and productive partner and grantee relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of events, conferences, meetings, calls, and presentations.
• Participate in group discussions and contribute insights, ideas, and feedback related to key research projects, grantees, or pertinent topics and issues.
• Compile data from the grant portfolio to aid in project management, as needed.
• Identify potential new partners in key areas and help implement due diligence review for potential partners.
• Assist with other projects and activities as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Ability, Skill, & Knowledge Requirements

• Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing
• Strong research skills in natural science, policy, and/or maritime industry
• Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English; French language skills is a plus
• Ability to work legally in the United States
  
  

Minimum Previous Experience, Training, And Education

• Applicants should be pursuing a master's degree in relevant disciplines with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position. Advanced undergraduate students (or recent graduates) may be considered with relevant research experience
• Strong research skills and experience are a must
• Preference will be given to candidates with background or knowledge in Marine or Ocean Sciences, Maritime Industry and/or policy, Natural Resource Management, Sustainability, Sustainability Policy, Experiential Education, Environmental Studies, or similar disciplines
• Interest in grantmaking, nonprofits and NGO engagement, maritime industry, ocean policy, and ocean health preferred
• Excellent word processing skills and fluency with Google Suite, Smartsheets is a plus
  
  

SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE INTERN SHOULD EXPECT TO DEVELOP DURING THE INTERNSHIP

• Research into developing policies affecting coastal communities, ocean health, and the maritime industry
• Improved understanding of the marine industry, shipping policy, municipal or city-wide ordinance for land-sea management, sustainable solutions to pressing ocean issues
• Writing and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of philanthropy and grantmaking
• Enhanced understanding of nonprofit organizations driving ocean conservation
• Networking and exposure to leading national and international environmental conservation groups
• Event and meeting planning
  
  

To Apply

• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
• No phone calls, please
  
  

$20 - $24 an hour

Working Environment/Minimum Physical Requirements

Approximately 90% of time spent on the job involves the use of a video display terminal; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods and to utilize standard ergonomics practices. This position primarily works in an office environment, requiring the following activities: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to use standard office equipment such as copiers and faxes.

Housing stipend available for qualified applicants

This is a non-exempt position

11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. 11th Hour Racing believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. 11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.