Summer 2027 Chief Program Office Intern

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC is seeking two undergraduate interns to support ongoing projects and priorities for its programmatic teams. Interns will report to the Senior Executive Associate to the Chief Program Officer and work from NRDC’s Washington, DC office, onsite three days per week under the organization’s hybrid work model. The internship offers exposure to executive leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and coordination of initiatives across NRDC’s program areas. Interns may support strategic, programmatic, and operational initiatives, including planning and executing major institutional events such as Climate Week NYC; conducting research and preparing briefing materials for senior leadership; assisting with strategic planning and special projects; and developing resources to strengthen collaboration and operational efficiency. They may participate in cross-departmental meetings and contribute to work connecting NRDC’s advocacy priorities with broader organizational goals. Potential deliverables include research summaries, executive briefing materials, event planning resources, project trackers, and recommendations for improving internal processes and programmatic coordination. The internship lasts 10 weeks and requires a commitment of 35 hours per week. Three summer sessions are available: May 24–July 30, June 7–August 13, or June 21–August 27, 2027. This is a paid internship with a $7,000 stipend paid bi-weekly. Relocation assistance is not available. The posting states the incumbent will not qualify as an NRDC employee, fellow, volunteer, or independent contractor, and is not guaranteed employment at the end of the internship.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program; rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates (May 2027) are eligible.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Project management and/or problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.

Responsibilities

Support ongoing projects and priorities for NRDC programmatic teams.
Assist with planning and execution of major institutional events, including Climate Week NYC.
Conduct research and prepare briefing materials for senior leadership.
Assist with strategic planning and special projects.
Develop resources that strengthen collaboration and operational efficiency across program teams.
Participate in cross-departmental meetings and contribute to projects connecting advocacy priorities with organizational goals.
Prepare deliverables such as research summaries, executive briefing materials, event planning resources, project trackers, and recommendations to improve internal processes and programmatic coordination.