Assistant Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power. It's an approach that has worked for four decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We're part of Friends of the Earth International, the world's largest federation of grassroots environmental groups, working in 75 countries on today's most urgent environmental and social issues.
To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy and social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value people and the environment. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, ensuring the food we eat and products we use are sustainable and safe for our health and the environment, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them. This work is carried out by our team of staff in our Berkeley, California and Washington, D.C. offices.
Corporate-controlled, chemical intensive industrial food production is increasingly harmful to people and the planet, contributing to hunger, disease, poverty and severe environmental damage, which particularly adversely impact communities of color. Simultaneously, this "too big to fail" system leaves us vulnerable to climate chaos and other disruptions which threaten food security and our ability to feed growing populations. A healthy future is dependent on developing an alternative, sustainable and resilient food system.
Friends of the Earth's Food and Agriculture Program is working to rapidly transition our food system to one that is sustainable, healthy and just. We carry out market and policy campaigns aimed at protecting pollinators, reforming animal agriculture and reducing the harmful environmental and social impacts of industrial agriculture, while advocating for local, just, humane, organic and sustainable food production.
Project Description
Friends of the Earth seeks an intern for its Climate-Friendly Food campaign, a project of the Food & Agriculture Program. Our campaigns work to reduce consumption of industrial animal foods; grow the market and policy support for regenerative, grass-fed and organic meat and dairy; and support a rapid and large-scale shift towards plant-forward, climate-conscious procurement, sustainable diets, and regenerative agriculture. The Food Policy Intern will assist in conducting grassroots and stakeholder outreach to support our federal policy work, help with meeting and event logistics, conduct research to support public policy campaigns, and draft public outreach materials.
The intern will become an integral member of our dynamic Food and Agriculture Team and gain valuable skills and experience in research, strategic campaign development, online and traditional media communications, corporate and non-profit engagement, and public outreach, education and organizing on the cutting edge of environmental advocacy.
This position will introduce the intern to a wide range of colleagues in environmental, social justice and legislative arenas. The intern will work in government, corporate and non-profit circles and has the opportunity to become familiar with how these different entities work. Friends of the Earth is made up of a group of smart, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with a relaxed and friendly office culture.
This is a paid, part-time internship. Intern must be able to commit to 15-20 hrs/week; (specific hours in the range of 15-20 hours per week to be negotiated) at the rate of $19.50/hour. The length of the internship is 5-7 months, and the ideal candidate will start in September.
Responsibilities:
Research & Policy Support

• Conduct research and summarize findings that support campaign priorities.

• Assist with policy analysis and development of advocacy materials.

• Monitor emerging issues relevant to climate-friendly food policy.

Campaign Outreach & Engagement

• Support outreach to coalition partners, community organizations, and stakeholders.

• Assist with grassroots engagement activities and campaign mobilization.

• Participate in coalition and community meetings.

Communications & Public Education

• Draft and update outreach materials for digital and print platforms.

• Assist in developing blogs, social media content, and advocacy communications.

• Support preparation of public-facing materials such as letters, op-eds, press releases, and public comments.

Event & Campaign Operations

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, webinars, briefings, and advocacy events.

• Provide administrative and project support to help campaigns stay organized and on schedule.

• Assist with documentation, meeting notes, and follow-up activities.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed coursework in environmental studies, public policy, political science, communications, public health, or a related field (or equivalent lived, volunteer, or work experience).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to conduct research and synthesize information.

• Interest in environmental advocacy, food systems, and climate policy.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience through coursework, internships, student organizations, or volunteer activities related to advocacy or policy.

• Familiarity with environmental or food justice issues.

• Experience creating digital communications or outreach materials.

• Experience supporting events or community engagement activities.
• Familiarity with Airtable

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.