Advocacy or Policy Full-time

Board Relations Intern

The Environmental Defense Fund

Posted

Feb 26, 2026

Location

Remote

Type

Full-time

Mission

What you will drive

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

The Board Relations team sits within the Executive Office of EDF and oversees all processes related to the EDF, Inc. Board of Trustees, which Fortune magazine named one of the most influential nonprofit boards in the country, made up of experts in business, public health, science, law, and policy. The board acts as essential advisors to EDF’s mission and offers strategic guidance and oversee sound governance, including financial and risk oversight.

Overall Function

The intern will conduct data audits and research to maintain accurate trustee data, support board meeting preparation, and assist with communications and engagement tracking of Board Relations donors and stakeholders. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit governance, board operations, and stakeholder relationship management while contributing meaningful support to EDF's mission-critical governance function. The intern will work with confidential information and must exercise discretion and professionalism. The intern will report to the Sr Manager, Board Relations and work closely with the broader Board Relations team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the maintenance of Board Relations donor records, documenting relevant correspondence, meetings to support best governance practices.
  • Conduct data audits to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated information; proactively update records.
  • Research and organize the Board Relations database for board resolutions and minutes.
  • Support the development and maintenance of team handbook best practice documents.
  • Support analysis of trustee engagement plan by compiling data on email open rates, event attendance, and communication engagement.
  • Track board committee activities and support the upkeep resources in the Mission Advisory Committee database.
  • Assist with the preparation of EDF’s Fall board meeting.
  • Conduct research on topics relevant to governance best practices or nonprofit boards as assigned.
  • Support other similar projects related to Board Relations as necessary.
  • Uphold confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
  • Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

  • Enrolled in (junior/senior) or recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program.
  • Demonstrated interest in nonprofit management and/or board operations. 
  • Strong writing and research skills.
  • Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
  • Must uphold tact, discretion, judgment and the ability to function in a confidential capacity to work with high-level stakeholders.
  • Previous internships and/or experience working in an administrative setting preferred.
  • Demonstrates initiative and strong problem-solving skills. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Familiarity with Canva, Asana and Adobe Acrobat Pro a plus.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in New York. Intern supervisor is in New York.

Term

Spring 2026.

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week).

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18/hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships

Profile

What makes you a great fit

EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

The Board Relations team sits within the Executive Office of EDF and oversees all processes related to the EDF, Inc. Board of Trustees, which Fortune magazine named one of the most influential nonprofit boards in the country, made up of experts in business, public health, science, law, and policy. The board acts as essential advisors to EDF’s mission and offers strategic guidance and oversee sound governance, including financial and risk oversight.

Overall Function

The intern will conduct data audits and research to maintain accurate trustee data, support board meeting preparation, and assist with communications and engagement tracking of Board Relations donors and stakeholders. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit governance, board operations, and stakeholder relationship management while contributing meaningful support to EDF's mission-critical governance function. The intern will work with confidential information and must exercise discretion and professionalism. The intern will report to the Sr Manager, Board Relations and work closely with the broader Board Relations team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the maintenance of Board Relations donor records, documenting relevant correspondence, meetings to support best governance practices.
  • Conduct data audits to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated information; proactively update records.
  • Research and organize the Board Relations database for board resolutions and minutes.
  • Support the development and maintenance of team handbook best practice documents.
  • Support analysis of trustee engagement plan by compiling data on email open rates, event attendance, and communication engagement.
  • Track board committee activities and support the upkeep resources in the Mission Advisory Committee database.
  • Assist with the preparation of EDF’s Fall board meeting.
  • Conduct research on topics relevant to governance best practices or nonprofit boards as assigned.
  • Support other similar projects related to Board Relations as necessary.
  • Uphold confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
  • Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

  • Enrolled in (junior/senior) or recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program.
  • Demonstrated interest in nonprofit management and/or board operations. 
  • Strong writing and research skills.
  • Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
  • Must uphold tact, discretion, judgment and the ability to function in a confidential capacity to work with high-level stakeholders.
  • Previous internships and/or experience working in an administrative setting preferred.
  • Demonstrates initiative and strong problem-solving skills. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Familiarity with Canva, Asana and Adobe Acrobat Pro a plus.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in New York. Intern supervisor is in New York.

Term

Spring 2026.

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week).

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18/hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships

About

Inside The Environmental Defense Fund

Driving impactful environmental solutions through science, partnerships, and market-based approaches globally.