External Affairs Intern

Description du poste:

Position Details

* This job posting will be open until filled and will hire one individual.
* This is a part-time (10 hours/week) position and is anticipated to start June 1, 2026 and end on August 14, 2026.
* Hourly rate range: $19.00-23.00/hour dependent on experience.
* The work location will work from our Minneapolis, MN office.

What We Can Achieve Together

As our External Affairs Intern, you will support the work of the External Affairs team for the Tri-State Chapter of TNC (supporting Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota). You will be instrumental in collaborating on projects, assessing legislation, conducting outreach, and more to support The Nature Conservancy's land, water, climate, and regenerative agriculture objectives.

In This Role You Will

* Conduct research on ongoing and emerging issues that impact our policy and advocacy strategies
* Attend events as necessary relevant to our work
* Conduct informational interviews with internal staff or external partner
* Research, track, and summarize legislation
* Assist in scheduling, preparation, and staffing meetings with TNC staff, legislators, and/or external partners
* Support development of policy communications
* Practice networking

We're Looking For You

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. The ideal candidate should have communication and collaboration skills and a curious mindset.

We're looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Our team in MN/ND/SD is dedicated to developing credible, science-based, and compelling solutions that deliver transformative and sustainable solutions to our conservation and climate challenges … join us!

What You'll Bring

* Be a current undergraduate student.
* Located in the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota region for the duration of the internship (June-August).
* Fluency in English.

Desired Qualifications

* Experience, coursework, or other training in policy related to conservation, environment, energy, agriculture, or climate.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19.00 -23.00/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line