Intern, Engagement & Communications, Corporate Sustainability, American University

WRI Overview 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, or other candidates who wish to gain knowledge about a specific area of our work. We strive to attract diverse, intellectually-driven candidates who have a passion for sustainability and development. WRI provides many internship opportunities throughout the year in all our programs.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.   

Center for Sustainable Business Overview  

At WRI’s Center for Sustainable Business (CSB), working with companies is essential to our mission because they can innovate and scale solutions to our toughest challenges. Businesses have important influence on governments and their extensive, global value chains complement the reach of governments bound by national borders. Companies inform WRI’s priorities and help kickstart innovative projects.  

WRI’s research helps integrate environmental sustainability and business strategy. Our practical guidance, tools and initiatives help companies assess and reduce impacts along their entire value chains.   

Internship Summary  

This is an ideal internship for candidates passionate about the role the private sector plays in creating a more sustainable future. This internship will provide exposure to a wide range of impact issues and opportunities (circular economy and sustainable consumption, science-based target setting, corporate policy and sustainability ambition, and more) and the factors that drive or hinder corporate sustainability. In support of CSB communications, stakeholder engagement and the CCG,  you will gain exposure to corporate sustainability issue areas, professionals and practitioners, challenges and success stories.  

Specifically, the Corporate Sustainability Engagement and Communications intern role will be divided into three main categories:   

 1. Engagement   

With a big mission like WRI’s, engaging stakeholders and defining target audiences is essential. In this position the intern will support engagement strategy through task such as:  

• Research target audiences and key influencers that can advance CSB workstream objectives  
• Support and expand constituent management system (data entry, record analysis, reporting)  
• Support CSB 2021 engagement strategy development: audiences, objectives, metrics, calendar  

2. Communications  

 Building from engagement and target audience insights, the intern will support the communications team in promoting CSB’s various research and initiatives.   

Tasks could include:  

• Draft media content to promote CSB projects   
• Analyze and improve email distribution lists, develop newsletter content and email communications  
• Tracking outreach results  

You will cultivate and rely on broad communications skills to create materials that are understandable and actionable for the business community and will deliver our message in service of big global goals.   

3. Corporate Consultative Group (CCG):  

WRI’s Corporate Consultative Group (CCG) brings together over 30 global companies to advance business practices that mitigate risks and support sustainable growth. Collaborating with CCG members illuminates corporate needs and the ways we can help guide sustainability strategies in the private sector. In this role you will be able to see your engagement and communications efforts in action by supporting our work with the CCG member companies. The intern will support the CCG through tasks such as:  

• Research corporate sustainability activities to expand member insights (sustainability commitments, business analysis)  
• Engage directly with corporate sustainability professionals in collaboration with the CCG Manager (for example support member activities, for example coordination for calls with WRI experts or requests for strategic input)  
• Assist in the planning and execution of virtual CCG member events   
• Support program management by tracking activity, updating and generating internal analysis  

Learning Outcomes  

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Obtain real-world knowledge into the business and financial world  
• Understand how and why to identify and cultivate audiences for impact   
• Gain insights into effective communications strategy and outreach  
• Develop communications materials and products that promote corporate sustainability   
• Explore foundations of engagement, stewardship and relationship management best practices   
• Learn basics of membership groups and how to track output and outcomes for success  
• How to plan and execute (online) events  
• Learn from CBS’s high-impact initiatives to increase the ambition of the private sector  
• Work with a global team of highly motivated individuals working at WRI and partner organizations on creating value through environmental sustainability.  

Internship Qualifications  

•  University Sponsored: You must be a current junior, senior or master’s student at American University  in the School of International Service (SIS) 
• Comfortable interning remotely  
• Understanding/background/interest in communications, journalism, business, and/or environmental studies   
• Strong writing skills  
• Experience developing social media and digital content  
• Flexible multi-tasker and able to problem solve   
• Keen attention to detail   
• Dedicated, hardworking, dependable, and a great teammate  
• Willingness to take on new challenges as required  

General Internship Requirements 

• Applicants must have personal health insurance coverage.  
• U.S. work authorization is required for this opportunity. WRI does not sponsor interns for visas. 

Compensation 

• University Sponsored: Students will receive academic credit from their university program.  

Duration and Location 

• This is a part-time or full-time summer internship with start date options of May 17, June 1, or June 16, 2021 based on the student’s availability and need for the project.  
• This is a remote-based internship with the option to work out of the Washington D.C. office once it reopens.   
• WRI will provide a laptop for the duration of your internship.  

How to Apply 

Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.