Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Internal Audit
at The Environmental Defense Fund
🏢 About The Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund is unique for its science-driven, partnership-based approach to solving environmental challenges through market-based solutions. Working here means contributing to meaningful global impact on climate change, oceans, ecosystems, and health, while collaborating with diverse stakeholders from scientists to policymakers. Their commitment to measurable results and innovative strategies makes it an ideal workplace for mission-driven professionals.
About This Role
As Head of Internal Audit at EDF, you'll lead the audit team to provide strategic risk and governance advice to senior leadership, ensuring the organization's financial integrity and compliance in a complex nonprofit environment. This role is impactful because it directly supports EDF's mission by safeguarding resources, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining donor trust across global environmental initiatives.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing audit findings from a climate grant program, meeting remotely with the Audit Committee to discuss risk assessments, and coaching your team on Uniform Guidance compliance. You could also strategize with EDF's finance leadership on process improvements for donor-funded projects, ensuring alignment with environmental goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For
- A CPA, CIA, or CISA-certified professional with 10+ years in internal audit or risk management, including 5+ years leading audit teams in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
- Deep expertise in nonprofit accounting standards (like FASB), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and donor/grant compliance requirements specific to environmental or philanthropic funding.
- Proven ability to develop risk-based audit plans that address programmatic, operational, and financial risks unique to nonprofits with global operations and diverse revenue streams.
- A strategic advisor who can translate audit findings into actionable process improvements while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across remote teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Environmental Defense Fund
Explicitly highlight your experience with nonprofit-specific compliance, such as Uniform Guidance or grant management, in your resume's summary or key achievements.
Tailor your application materials to reflect EDF's mission by using language like 'mission-driven audit' or 'environmental impact assurance' instead of generic corporate audit terms.
If you have remote audit leadership experience, detail how you managed distributed teams and conducted virtual audits, as this is a fully remote US role.
Quantify your impact in previous roles with metrics like '% risk reduction' or '$ saved through process improvements,' especially in nonprofit contexts.
Mention any familiarity with environmental funding sources (e.g., foundations, government grants) or ESG frameworks, as this aligns with EDF's work.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Demonstrate your passion for EDF's mission by linking your audit expertise to environmental outcomes, e.g., how strong internal controls enable effective climate programs.", "Provide a brief example of how you've advised senior leadership on risk or governance in a nonprofit, highlighting strategic thinking beyond compliance.", "Emphasize your experience with remote team leadership and audit planning in distributed organizations, given this role's remote nature.", 'Note any specific knowledge of environmental sector risks, such as grant compliance for conservation projects or partnerships with scientific institutions.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review EDF's annual reports and financial statements to understand their funding sources, program areas (e.g., climate, oceans), and audit committee disclosures.
- → Explore EDF's partnerships and market-based initiatives (e.g., carbon markets, sustainable fishing) to identify potential audit risks in collaborative projects.
- → Study the nonprofit's recent news or press releases on environmental campaigns, as this can inform how internal audit supports programmatic credibility.
- → Look into the environmental sector's regulatory landscape, such as EPA guidelines or international standards, that might affect compliance and risk management.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic audit resume without tailoring it to nonprofit or environmental contexts, as EDF seeks mission-aligned expertise.
- Focusing solely on corporate audit experience without addressing nonprofit-specific challenges like donor compliance or programmatic risk.
- Overlooking the remote aspect by not demonstrating experience in leading virtual teams or conducting audits in distributed settings.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Environmental Defense Fund!