Application Guide

How to Apply for Global Development & Strategic Operations Intern

at The Environmental Defense Fund

🏢 About The Environmental Defense Fund

The Environmental Defense Fund stands out for its science-driven, partnership-based approach to solving environmental challenges through market mechanisms and policy advocacy. Working here offers the unique opportunity to contribute to tangible environmental solutions while collaborating with experts across science, business, and policy sectors.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting EDF's fundraising operations through Salesforce data management, assisting with new hire orientation planning, and maintaining departmental resources. The role is impactful because clean constituent data directly enables effective donor engagement, which funds EDF's critical environmental initiatives globally.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve cleaning and organizing constituent data in Salesforce, coordinating with the Information & Strategy team on new hire orientation materials, and attending meetings with the Prospect Research team to understand data needs for upcoming fundraising campaigns. You'd likely balance independent data work with collaborative projects supporting Development department operations.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For

  • An undergraduate student or recent graduate with coursework or experience in nonprofit management, operations, or business administration
  • Someone with basic Microsoft Office skills plus any exposure to Salesforce or similar CRM systems (even through coursework or personal projects)
  • A detail-oriented individual who understands the importance of confidentiality when handling sensitive donor information
  • A strong communicator who can collaborate effectively with multiple teams (Prospect Research, Information & Strategy, Database Services)

📝 Tips for Applying to The Environmental Defense Fund

1

Highlight any experience with data cleanup or organization, even from non-CRM contexts (like Excel projects or academic research)

2

Mention specific EDF initiatives or campaigns you admire to show genuine interest in their environmental mission

3

If you have Salesforce experience, specify what you've done (data entry, reporting, etc.) - if not, express eagerness to learn this specific system

4

Demonstrate understanding of how operations support fundraising by connecting data management to donor relationship outcomes

5

Show awareness of remote work discipline by describing how you stay organized and communicative in virtual settings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your interest in EDF's specific approach to environmental solutions (science + partnerships + market-based strategies)", 'How your organizational skills would contribute to maintaining clean constituent data in Salesforce', 'Your ability to handle confidential information appropriately', 'Why supporting fundraising operations appeals to you within an environmental nonprofit context']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → EDF's current major campaigns and initiatives (like methane reduction or sustainable fisheries)
  • → Their partnership approach with businesses and governments
  • → How EDF uses science in their advocacy work
  • → Their recent fundraising successes or major donor announcements

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you organized or cleaned up data - what was your process and what was the outcome?
2 How would you approach learning Salesforce if you haven't used it before?
3 What interests you about supporting fundraising operations specifically at an environmental organization?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple teams (like Prospect Research and Database Services simultaneously)?
5 Can you give an example of when you had to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on environmental passion without showing interest in the operational/administrative aspects of the role
  • Being vague about data management experience - always provide specific examples
  • Not demonstrating understanding of how this operations role supports EDF's broader mission

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Environmental Defense Fund!

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