Summer 2025 Development Intern

Description

Development Intern: Summer 2025 

Resources for the Future (RFF) 

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. We envision a future where climate change no longer threatens our well-being and where smart environmental decisions help to uplift communities around the world.  Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, while having shaped many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years.  Our work broadly centers on the economics and design of smart strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and policies that confront climate change risks and build resilience. 
 

We are seeking an Intern to support the work of the Development Office. The Intern will help the Development team contribute to the growth and future direction of one of the nation’s leading economic and environmental research organizations. An ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, a strong writer and researcher, and interested in nonprofit management and fundraising. 

The Intern will learn the basics of nonprofit fundraising and relationship management and will be an integral part of the Development team. The Intern will receive training on our constituent management system and will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of data within the system, running reports, and analyzing data. The Intern will conduct research using a variety of online prospect research resources and will prepare documents for RFF leadership. 

We are looking for an intern to begin work in May or June 2025. The ideal candidate will be available 20-25 hours a week over the summer and 10-15 hours a week from September to December. We can be somewhat flexible on the dates and hours depending on the intern’s availability. The intern will be paid $17.50 - $22 an hour and the internship will take place in RFF’s offices in Washington, DC. Application deadline: March 31, 2025. 

All Internships will take place in person in our offices in Washington DC. 

Specific responsibilities may include: 

• Researching and identifying prospective corporate and foundation funders 
• Assisting with donor mailings, email, and event planning 
• Providing support for internal and external meetings 
• Compiling and analyzing data 

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies  

• Education: Priority is given to candidates enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that is relevant to RFF’s research and mission. Highly motivated candidates in the social and natural sciences or those with a keen interest in nonprofit management are encouraged to apply.  
• Preferred Interests and Skills: We are seeking a detail-oriented candidate with excellent writing and research skills. Coursework in nonprofit management, writing, and/or data analysis, and experience in fundraising or working with databases are a plus. 

All applications must be submitted electronically. Please complete the application and required cover letter, beginning the name of each file with your last name. Please include: 

• A cover letter that explains your interest in and how your qualifications match the position. Please include the dates and number of hours per week you are available for the internship. 
• A resume summarizing your experiences and qualifications.  

RFF is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.  Achieving that goal is essential to achieving our mission—and it is simply the right thing to do, as described in RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.  We especially encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply.  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration and other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to work in our office. 

Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.

Salary : $18 - $22