Development & Fundraising Intern or Fellow, Summer 2026

Position Title: Development & Fundraising Intern or Fellow

Reports to: Manager, Development & Strategic Partnerships

Position Status: Temporary, non-exempt

About EFI Foundation

The EFI Foundation delivers evidence-based, pragmatic solutions to the world’s toughest energy challenges. The EFI Foundation advances innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex energy challenges—combining rigorous analysis with a pragmatic approach to bridge the gap toward a low-carbon future.

EFI Foundation is a trusted, independent, nonpartisan guide through the world’s toughest energy challenges. We focus on practical solutions, not ideology, to make real progress possible. We forge coalitions that cut across divides, creating answers that are tested, collaborative, and durable. We believe energy evolution must be affordable, resilient, and equitable for all.

About EJM Associates LLC (EJM)

EJM Associates is a strategic consulting firm founded and directly managed by former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. We advise clients on a range of energy policy, innovation, and security issues to help them navigate the transition to a global clean energy economy.

This role may be expected to perform work for EJM, consistent with their job description.

Summary

EFIF is seeking a motivated Development & Fundraising Intern to support our growing portfolio of philanthropic and strategic partnerships. This role offers hands-on exposure to nonprofit fundraising strategy, donor research, and foundation engagement in the energy and climate space.

At this time, EFIF's preference is for applicants in the D.C. area able to work on a hybrid schedule, but we are open to discussing completely remote arrangements.

• Development Interns: EFIF offers internships to individuals who are enrolled in or who have completed an undergraduate degree in the past 6 months in a field relevant to EFIF's work. Internships are typically for an academic semester, and interns are non-exempt employees and may be full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time. Internships are paid on an hourly basis at a base rate of $20/hr.

• Development Fellows: EFIF offers fellowships to individuals who are pursuing or have completed an advanced degree (post undergraduate) in a field relevant to EFIF's work. Fellowships are offered for a fixed term (typically a semester or aligned with a specific project duration). Fellows are nonexempt employees. Fellows may be full time (40 hours/ week) or part time. Fellowships are paid on an hourly basis at a base rate of $27/hr.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Conduct research on philanthropic foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors aligned with EFIF’s work
• Support development of fundraising materials, including concept notes, one-pagers, and donor briefings and profiles
• Assist with grant tracking, reporting preparation, and pipeline management
• Help prepare internal materials for funder meetings and briefings
• Support coordination of fundraising-related events and convenings, as needed
• Provide general support to the development team on special projects

Fellows may also have some project management responsibilities, including coordinating with project partners and sponsors, communicating with outside experts on project-related matters, and ensuring principals are up to date on key project updates.

Interns may also support communications and logistical work on an ad hoc basis, directly related to development or work products.

Development Interns

Time Breakdown

• Individual research, writing, data visualization, etc.: 40%
• Research planning and meetings: 20%
• Communications: 15%
• Administrative: 25%

Who you are

• Curiosity for development and fundraising.
• Excitement for and knowledgeable about the energy and climate space.
• Adapts well to rapid changes.
• Approaches uncertainty with a positive attitude.
• Humble and self-aware.
• Tackles new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Quick thinking, intellectually curious, and creative.

What you will need

• Qualitative data analysis
• General skills with internet-based research
• Experience with technical and scientific writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with graphic design and data visualization (e.g. Tableau) preferred

Development Fellows

Time Breakdown

• Individual research, writing, data visualization, etc.: 50%
• Research planning and meetings: 20%
• Communications: 15%
• Administrative: 15%

Who you are

• Curiosity for development and fundraising.
• Excitement for and knowledgeable about the energy and climate space
• Adapts well to rapid changes.
• Approaches uncertainty with a positive attitude.
• Humble and self-aware.
• Tackles new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Quick thinking, intellectually curious, and creative.

What you will need

• Baseline knowledge of energy systems, climate policy, and related topics
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Strong Internet-based research
• Experience with technical and scientific writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with graphic design and data visualization (e.g. Tableau) preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Current graduate student, or recent graduate (for fellowship)
• Current undergraduate student, or recent graduate (for internship)
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills
• Interest in climate, energy, public policy, or philanthropy
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Familiarity with Excel, Google Workspace, or CRM tools, specifically HubSpot, is a plus
• Must have work authorization in the United States

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter

The application period is on a rolling basis but the desired start date for this position is June 1st, 2026.

Statement on Diversity

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. EFIF is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

EFIF is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation for this job application due to a disability, you may contact us at info@efifoundation.org.