Environmental Justice History Intern

Environmental Defense Fund•Washington DC, DC

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Environmental Justice History Intern will support the Justice & Equity team’s Frontline Resource Institute (FRI), a project of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The intern will conduct historical research and investigative journalism on leaders and landmark moments in the U.S. Environmental Justice movement. Research will draw on historical media, including newspapers, radio, television news, periodicals, and Howard University’s Black Press Archive, and will supplement existing oral history video interviews with movement leaders. The intern will review interviews and supporting materials to identify research gaps, organize findings around significant local, state, regional, national, and international milestones, and synthesize historical material into stories for an interactive digital platform. The final deliverable will be a multimedia overview published as a digital timeline and linked to a forthcoming book on the history of environmental justice. The intern will attend weekly meetings, meet in person with EDF project staff in Washington, DC, coordinate project timelines and deliverables around their academic schedule, and present findings to EDF staff and senior leadership. The role also includes contributing to EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a degree program at Howard University.
Demonstrated interest or experience in environmental justice, research, history, and policy.
Demonstrated interest in communications and creative storytelling.
Experience in research and academic writing.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a team setting and independently as needed.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in qualitative and quantitative research, environmental policy, and environmental justice is recommended.

Responsibilities

Research the history of environmental and climate justice through historical media and other sources, including Howard University’s Black Press Archive.
Review existing oral history interviews and supporting materials to identify research gaps and opportunities.
Categorize research findings according to a timeline of significant historical events and milestones.
Synthesize research and historical media to help shape stories about Environmental Justice leaders for an interactive web platform.
Attend weekly meetings with EDF’s Senior Communications Specialist for Justice & Equity.
Attend an in-person meeting at EDF’s Washington, DC office with the Senior Vice President of Justice & Equity and project staff.
Work with the Justice & Equity team’s Project Manager to develop a project timeline and deliverables that accommodate the intern’s academic schedule.
Present research findings to EDF staff and senior leadership.
Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, helping people from all backgrounds feel connected, included, and empowered.