Communications Intern, Executive Office

About The Program

The Executive Office sits at the center of World Resources Institutes global leadership, supporting the President and CEO in advancing the Institute’s mission at the highest levels of international climate, energy and development discussions.

The team works across WRI’s global network and alongside leaders in government, business, philanthropy and civil society to help shape conversations and partnerships that drive real-world impact for people, nature and climate. From major international summits and high-level convenings to thought leadership, media engagement and strategic communications, the Executive Communications team helps position WRI at the forefront of some of the world’s most urgent challenges and emerging solutions.

Interns in the Executive Office gain a unique behind-the-scenes view of how a global organization operates, collaborates and influences decision-making across countries and sectors.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What You Will Do

In this six-month, limited-term role, you will support WRI’s President and CEO and report to the Manager of Communications to the President. Working closely with the Executive Communications team, you will help develop and refine content for high-level speeches, presentations, briefings, publications and strategic engagements across global climate and sustainable development issues.

This role is ideal for a strong writer and editor who is interested in translating complex ideas into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences. You will synthesize research and information from across WRI’s global portfolio — including energy, food, forests, water, cities, climate, economics, finance, governance and equity — into cohesive narratives and executive-level materials.

Speechwriting and Executive Communications (50%)

• Draft, edit and refine speeches, talking points, articles, briefing notes and other written materials for the President & CEO.
• Review and edit quotes, forewords, statements, video scripts, and other executive communications content to ensure clarity, consistency and alignment with WRI’s voice and priorities.
• Produce compelling social media content and digital engagement materials across multiple platforms.
• Incorporate feedback quickly and thoughtfully across multiple rounds of revisions, adapting content for different audiences, formats and speaking styles.
• Collaborate with colleagues across WRI’s global network to gather insights, stories and evidence that strengthen executive communications.

Research and Presentations (50%)

• Conduct research and synthesize complex information, policy developments and emerging trends related to climate, energy, sustainable development and WRI’s global portfolio into concise and accessible narratives.
• Support the development of presentations, speaker briefings and communications products for high-level meetings, conferences, media engagements and public events.
• Track upcoming speeches, publications, events and communications opportunities to support planning and coordination across the Executive Office.
• Monitor developments across WRI’s programs, countries and partnerships to identify relevant insights and stories for executive engagement.
• Participate in Executive Office discussions, team meetings and learning opportunities to deepen understanding of WRI’s work and contribute to cross-institutional projects and initiatives.

Internship Learning Outcomes

• Coordinate, edit, and brainstorm articles for WRI’s Insights blog, outside op-eds and other thought leadership
• Draft and copy edit promotional materials
• Support the development of messaging materials and story pitches
• Synthesize complex research into compelling communications products

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international affairs, public policy, environmental studies or a related field
• Experience in speechwriting preferred
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear and engaging content
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments on deadline
• Demonstrated ability to receive, synthesize and incorporate feedback effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in climate change, sustainable development, energy, economics or global policy issues
• Strong qualitative research and information synthesis skills, as well as organizational and project coordination skills
• Computer skills, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams
• Commitment to WRI’s mission and values

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hour for undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length Of Contract

This is a full-time, 6-month internship with a flexible start and end date.

Location:

• This is a hybrid internship that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.
• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by June 29, 2026. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

About Us

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, and other candidates who wish to gain knowledge about a specific area of our work. We strive to attract diverse, intellectually driven candidates who have a passion for sustainability and development. WRI provides many internship opportunities throughout the year in all our programs.

WRI is committed to advancing gender, racial, and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. 

Our Mission And Values

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our Culture

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People team carefully reviews all applications.