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 nearly 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – nearly one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.

At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine 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 is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway.

Position Summary

WWF seeks a BRIDGE Prospect Intelligence and Analysis Undergraduate Intern interested in learning about prospect management, donor relations, fundraising systems and related processes as part of the WWF Development Strategic Services team. The position will assist the team in developing materials and effective systems to engage an audience of high-net-worth donors. The Prospect Intelligence and Analysis (PIA) Intern will support every step of the donor lifecycle from identification to cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. They will play a critical role in the enhancement of Development’s knowledge-management systems and processes.

Internship Description:

The PIA Intern will have the opportunity to work closely with all Development teams to get hands-on donor engagement experience, as well as apply new skills in the field of fundraising and relationship management.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Working with fundraisers and researchers to identify fundraising prospects and opportunities

• Reviewing donor records and related systems data to ensure accuracy and consistency

• Enhancing knowledge-management systems

• Participating in internal meetings as requested

• Preparing and distributing meeting notes following meetings

• Other projects as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Business Administration, Communications, History, or Marketing. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 1, 2026).

• 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.

• Excellent research skills and strong attention to detail.

• Organized and self-motivated.

• An interest in development/fundraising/donor relations and international conservation.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet concurrent deadlines, organize time and priorities and do so in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

• Exceptional communication, grammar and editing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:

• Experience using critical thinking skills and qualitative report writing.

• Experience in annual giving or fundraising campaigns.

Learning Outcomes

• Use of Relationship Management Best Practices for Fundraising.

• Using Constituent Relationship Management system to support the operational intelligence of fundraising and other Development functions.

• Principles on donor relations and nonprofit communications.

• Knowledge of how an organization gathers standards, rules and documentation to effectively run business operations.

WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team.

Location:

This position is flexible on location. The intern may complete the internship either in Washington DC or other states, with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid - $21 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 1 to August 7, 2026

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe:

• Your relevant skills and interest for this position

• Your connection to nature and the environment

• How you could contribute to the field of conservation.

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.

This job will be posted and open for applications until Monday, March 16 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.