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 (EFIF) advances innovative, evidence-based, and pragmatic solutions to complex energy challenges, combining rigorous analysis with coalition-building to bridge the gap toward a low-carbon future. Now entering its 10th year, our research has catalyzed key initiatives, including the creation of DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, informed bipartisan carbon dioxide removal efforts that were coordinated across 10 federal agencies, and supported the development of the Hydrogen Demand Initiative (H2DI), a novel quasi-government program for designing market-making strategies.

Our team of industry experts, former DOE leaders, and senior policy architects oversee science-based policy development and translate stakeholder conversations into actionable and scalable deployment pathways. EFIF is a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) nonpartisan think tank, founded by the 13th U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz.

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 Fellow or 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.

EFIF’s preference is for applicants located in the Washington, D.C. area who are able to work on a hybrid three-day in-office schedule, though we are open to discussing fully remote arrangements.

Development Intern

EFIF offers internships to individuals who are currently enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate degree within the past six months in a field relevant to EFIF’s work.

• Internships are typically structured around an academic semester.
• Interns are non-exempt employees and may work full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time.
• Compensation is $20/hour.

Development Fellow

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 aligned with an academic semester or specific project duration.
• Fellows are non-exempt employees and may work full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time.
• Compensation is $27/hour

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Conducting research related to philanthropic foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors aligned with EFIF’s work
• Supporting the development of fundraising materials, including concept notes, one-pagers, donor briefings, and donor profiles
• Assist with grant tracking, reporting preparation, and fundraising pipeline management
• Preparing 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 project management responsibilities, including coordinating with project partners and sponsors, communicating with external experts on project-related matters, and ensuring principals are up to date on key project developments.

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: 25%
• Communications: 15%
• Administrative: 20%

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.