Grantmaking and Research Intern (PT)

SUMMARY

11th Hour Racing, a Newport RI-based organization, is committed to an innovative approach blending sport sponsorship and philanthropic giving to protect the health of our oceans and waters. We are looking for a mature college student interested in grantmaking, philanthropy, and, ideally, the intersection of sport and ocean health to join our team for Summer 2024. The intern will work with our small in-house grantmaking team and will get hands-on experience from the funder side of ocean health-related grant work.

The internship is an hourly, paid part-time role in the 11th Hour Racing offices; final schedule to be agreed between intern and company. The internship can be taken for course credit as well if the student so desires. This position is based in Newport, RI.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The chosen candidate will work on a range of issues related to grantmaking in the fields of experiential and STEM education, marine plastic pollution, coastal restoration, and technologies and best practices to advance ocean health and address climate change. The intern is expected to interact closely with 11th Hour Racing staff members and engage with a wide range of grantees. The intern will be given responsibilities based on experience and skills, which may include the following:

● Conduct research on emerging initiatives and prospective grantees related to the program’s grantmaking strategy. Potential research projects include compost application in green infrastructure initiatives, local implementation of reusable plastic schemes, renewal wind energy, and/or nature-based approaches to ecosystem restoration.

●   Investigate and share findings of current initiatives and research in experiential education, community based composting, and ecosystem restoration as they relate to organizational objectives.     

● Compare and contrast state and national regulatory practices related to ecosystem restoration activities and nature-based solutions in key geographies.

● Draft short reports, memos, briefs, correspondence, and other written materials in support of ongoing initiatives.

● Assist in the review and evaluation of grant proposals and final reports.

● Assist in maintaining positive and productive partner and grantee relationships with a wide range of organizations and individuals.

●   Assist in the planning and coordination of events, conferences, meetings, calls, and presentations.

●   Participate in group discussions and contribute insights, ideas, and feedback related to grantees or pertinent topics and issues.

●  Compile data from the grant portfolio to aid in project management

● Identify potential new partners in key areas and help market our grantmaking solicitation

● Assist with other projects and activities as assigned

MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

● Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing

● Ability to work effectively in a small organization with an emphasis on teamwork

● Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills

● Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English; French language skills is a plus

● Ability to work legally in the United States

MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION

● Applicants should be pursuing a masters degree in relevant disciplines with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position. Advanced undergraduate students (or recent graduates) may be considered with relevant research experience

● Preference will be given to candidates with background or knowledge in Marine or Ocean Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Sustainability, Experiential Education, Environmental Studies, or similar disciplines      

● Interest in philanthropy, grantmaking, nonprofits and NGO engagement, and ocean health preferred

● Excellent word processing skills and fluency with Google Suite, Smartsheets is a plus

● Strong research skills

SKILLS  AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE INTERN SHOULD EXPECT TO DEVELOP DURING THE INTERNSHIP

● Research into pertinent environmental issues and organizations

● Improved understanding of nature-based solutions and solutions to plastic pollution

● Writing and verbal communications and presentation skills

● Knowledge of philanthropy and grantmaking

● Enhanced understanding of nonprofit organizations driving ocean conservation

● Networking and exposure to leading national and international environmental conservation groups

● Event and meeting planning 

TO APPLY

●  Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications missing either will not be considered 

●  Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

●  No phone calls, please 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Approximately 90% of time spent on the job involves the use of a video display terminal; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods and to utilize standard ergonomics practices. This position primarily works in an office environment, requiring the following activity: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to use standard office equipment such as copiers and faxes.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. 11th Hour Racing believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grantmaking and other related investments. 11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. We actively invite people of all backgrounds to apply with us.

OTHER INFORMATION

Interns must adhere to all applicable organizational policies and procedures. Regular and predictable attendance is required. A background check will be conducted for the final candidate.