US Energy Communications Intern

About the Program:

WRI's Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition speeds up the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by helping to build clean energy markets and change institutions. The US Energy team focuses on the US energy transition and decarbonization of the power sector, with a focus of working with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities, regulators, NGOs, and others.

Our team accelerates the deployment of clean energy technologies by addressing barriers, replicating successful models, and supporting policies or programs to accelerate adoption and achieve 100% clean energy in the power sector. WRI also undertakes research to support action, covering approaches to: overcoming barriers to clean energy development, expanding wholesale markets and the grid to enable the energy transition, accelerating electrification, and meeting the demand for critical minerals while protecting people and nature.

We focus on removing market and institutional barriers to clean energy deployment through efforts to enable state and local stakeholders to advance clean technologies in light of current context, including growing electricity demand and the changing policy environment. We also lead initiatives under the Polsky Energy Center to address large buyer demand and load growth, siting, critical minerals and circularity and enabling grid expansion WRI integrates equity and social justice concerns into its work to ensure the clean energy transition benefits all.

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 role, you will help WRI shape the narrative on the United States' transition to a more affordable, reliable, and clean energy system. You will support our team's blogs, events, social media, media relations, web management, design, messaging, and other projects relevant to effective communication with our audiences. This role calls for someone who is organized, a strong writer, savvy with digital and social media, and familiar with the news and policy landscape on energy and environmental issues in the US.

You will be supported by staff across the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition, WRI US, and core communications.

You will report to the US Energy Communications Manager.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

Media & Editorial Support (25% time)

• Coordinate, edit, and brainstorm articles for WRI's Insights blog

• Draft and copy edit promotional materials for US Energy assets

• Support the development of messaging materials and story pitches

Social Media & Digital Coordination (25% time)

• Social media content creation and calendar coordination

• Draft, edit, and coordinate web content

• Assist with design & digital assets (2 pagers, videos, etc.)

• Support email list management as needed

Webinar & Event Production (25% time)

• Support coordination, production, and promotion for webinars and events (about once a month)

• Occasionally assist with setup, production, and logistics for in-person internal and external events

Administration (25% time)

• Support day-to-day communications operations, including organizing assets, meeting prep, tracking projects & deliverables, and other ad hoc tasks

• Conduct daily media monitoring and ongoing metrics tracking

• Assist with editorial & social media calendar management

• Occasionally support operations & project staff on knowledge products, fundraising, and other communications-adjacent tasks

What you will need:

• Education: You have or are working towards a completed degree in PR/communications, journalism, environmental science/policy, or related fields. A minimum of 1 year of experience in communications, journalism, or environmental policy work can be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

• Experience: You have a minimum of 6 months full-time relevant work experience in communicating research, complex policy topics, and/or environmental data. Experience at relevant communications agencies, media outlets, research organizations, governments, businesses, and nonprofits/NGOs welcome.

• Languages: English

• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hourfor 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 Monday, December 29, 2025. Applicants mustapply 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: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities inemployment. 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 team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

#LI-DNP