Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Internal Audit

at Environmental Defense Fund

🏢 About Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental Defense Fund is a globally impactful nonprofit with over 1,000 staff across nearly 30 countries, uniquely positioned at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and on-the-ground solutions. Unlike traditional nonprofits, EDF operates with a fast-paced, results-driven approach that delivers 'game-changing solutions' to climate change and pollution. Working here means contributing to tangible environmental protection while being part of an organization that values innovation and measurable impact.

About This Role

As Head of Internal Audit at EDF, you'll develop and execute risk-based audit plans specifically tailored to the nonprofit sector's financial, operational, and programmatic challenges. This role provides independent assurance to the Audit Committee while leading a team to strengthen internal controls, governance, and risk management across a global organization. Your work directly supports EDF's mission by ensuring resources are effectively deployed to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing audit findings from international field offices, meeting remotely with program directors to discuss control improvements, and preparing materials for the Audit Committee that connect financial controls to programmatic impact. You'd balance strategic planning for the annual audit cycle with hands-on team leadership, ensuring audit activities support both compliance and EDF's mission delivery across time zones.

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🎯 Who Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For

  • Experienced internal audit leader with 8+ years in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, specifically familiar with nonprofit accounting standards, grant compliance, and restricted funding environments
  • Demonstrated ability to develop risk-based audit plans that address unique nonprofit risks such as programmatic effectiveness, donor restrictions, and international operations compliance
  • Proven track record of building and leading audit teams in remote/distributed environments while fostering cultures of integrity and continuous improvement
  • Strong communicator who can translate complex audit findings into actionable recommendations for non-financial stakeholders while maintaining independence for the Audit Committee

📝 Tips for Applying to Environmental Defense Fund

1

Highlight specific experience auditing nonprofit financials, including familiarity with FASB standards for nonprofits, grant compliance, and restricted fund management

2

Demonstrate understanding of EDF's dual challenges: maintaining nonprofit compliance while operating with the agility of a 'fast-paced' organization delivering 'game-changing solutions'

3

Provide concrete examples of how you've developed risk-based audit plans that address operational, compliance, AND programmatic risks (as specified in the job description)

4

Showcase remote leadership experience, as this position manages a distributed team for a fully remote US-based role

5

Connect your audit philosophy to EDF's mission by explaining how strong internal controls enable environmental impact and donor trust

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with nonprofit-specific audit challenges (grant compliance, restricted funds, program effectiveness auditing)', 'Examples of developing risk-based audit plans that balance financial, operational, and programmatic risks in mission-driven organizations', 'Leadership approach for building audit teams in remote environments while fostering integrity and continuous improvement', 'How your work ensures organizational effectiveness that directly supports environmental protection goals']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → EDF's specific programs and initiatives mentioned in their annual report to understand their operational complexity
  • → Recent EDF financial statements and Form 990 to identify their funding structure, major grants, and geographic footprint
  • → EDF's organizational structure and leadership team to understand governance and reporting lines
  • → Nonprofit audit committee best practices and recent trends in nonprofit risk management
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a risk-based audit plan for a global nonprofit with operations in nearly 30 countries and diverse funding sources?
2 Describe your experience auditing program effectiveness and outcomes in mission-driven organizations
3 How do you maintain independence while building collaborative relationships with program staff to improve controls?
4 What specific controls would you prioritize for a nonprofit managing restricted grants and donor-designated funds?
5 How would you lead a remote audit team to ensure consistent standards across international operations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing solely on corporate/internal audit experience without demonstrating understanding of nonprofit-specific challenges
  • Using generic audit language without connecting to EDF's mission of environmental protection and climate solutions
  • Failing to address the remote leadership component or how you'd manage a distributed audit team across time zones

📅 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 Environmental Defense Fund!

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