Current Opportunities

Current Opportunities

Current Opportunities

Development and Events Internship

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness/Save the Boundary Waters

OVERVIEW
Save the Boundary Waters, founded and led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in Ely, MN, is a national coalition of 400+ businesses, conservation, and hunting & angling organizations united to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining proposed in the headwaters of these treasures.

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness Mission: We unite people to advocate for the protection of wilderness and wild places, especially the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior Ecosystem.

Our Vision: We envision a future where people understand the value of wild protected lands and are unified to forever protect the Boundary Waters Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior Ecosystem as vital components of a healthy and resilient planet.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: Wilderness and the pursuit of its protection should be made to be welcoming and accessible to all. Protecting Wilderness relies upon public engagement which cannot be expected when people are disenfranchised, unwelcome, hurt or tokenized due to their sexuality, race, age, ability, size, gender identity, gender expression, culture, religion, political affiliation, or anything else. The pursuit of permanent protection for the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining and other threats is no different. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of the organization as it works to protect this special place for everyone and for generations to come.

Summary: Save the Boundary Waters is seeking a Development and Events Intern from January through May to assist with our fundraising efforts and events, including our annual Boundary Waters Gala at the Nicollet Island Pavilion on Thursday, May 22. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, large-scale event planning and coordination, and more! Ideal candidates will have an interest in environmental advocacy, event logistics, and fundraising. 

Dates: Approx. January-May 2025

Location: Primarily remote in Minnesota with the preference of being located in the Twin Cities 

Compensation: $15 an hour, 10/hrs per week January-March, 15/hrs per week in April and May

Supervised By: Amy Yoelin, Development Officer

Application Due: December 15, 2024

Primary duties include, but are not limited to: 

Event Assistance

  • Work with the Development team to plan our Boundary Waters Gala, which has over 400 attendees
  • Attend weekly gala planning meetings to learn about all aspects of planning our Gala, including logistics, budget, communications, and more
  • Collaborate with the Development Officer on silent auction solicitation strategy, which  includes over 100 items and raises over $25,000
  • Ensure all silent auction donations are entered into our database (EveryAction) promptly and accurately
  • Assist with event logistics including the silent auction, day-of set-up and take down, guest check-in, check-out, etc.
  • Attend the Boundary Waters Gala on Thursday, May 22 in Minneapolis (expected to work this entire day)
  • Assist with post-event logistics including coordinating efficient distribution of auction items to winning bidders
  • Provide support for additional fundraising and community outreach events as needed

Development

  • Explore alternative revenue sources: give-back programs, corporate partnerships, peer-to-peer opportunities, grant research, events, etc. 
  • Work with the Development Officer on a fundraising campaign including strategy, content development, execution, and analysis
  • Participate in fundraising team meetings to help plan and execute fundraising campaigns and activities throughout the duration of the internship
  • Have an opportunity to learn about fundraising strategy, grants, data analysis, event planning, and more!
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Skills or Qualifications: 

  • Organized
  • Detail Oriented
  • Creative
  • Flexible
  • Willingness to learn
  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Interest in non-profit, conservation work/passion for the Boundary Waters 
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice

Requirements:

  • Access to reliable, steady Internet
  • Your own laptop
  • Ability to travel to events (miles reimbursed)
  • Availability to work 10-15 hours per week between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday 
  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends

Please send a resume, cover letter, and dates of availability for the internship to amy@savetheboundarywaters.org.

 

PDF LINK OF POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Rolling Internships

We accept applications on a rolling basis, and will reach out if there is an opening!

Join the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters team as an intern! Position: Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters Internship
Location: Minneapolis, Duluth or Ely, Minnesota
Dates: We seek out interns every season and semester

Supervised By: Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness staff (According to the intern’s work plan & focus area)

Background: The Campaign to Save The Boundary Waters was organized by local residents in and around Ely, Minnesota who are dedicated to creating a national movement to protect the clean water, clean air and forest landscape of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its watershed from toxic pollution from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining. The Campaign partners with dozens of local and national conservation organizations and businesses and is led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness.

Activities and Tasks: The Campaign is growing rapidly and we strive to be as strategic as possible in all our efforts. Tasks may evolve throughout the duration of the internship based on Campaign needs, and the skills and interests of the intern(s). Intern(s) will work closely with members of the Campaign:

  • We are seeking skilled interns to work in areas of Communications, Organizing, Outreach & Events, Fundraising and Administration. Job focus will depend on experience, interest and the needs of the Campaign.

  • Assist in drafting documents and content for supporters through email, social media, website and other platforms.

  • Educate and activate the public and our supporters around our efforts to protect the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining.

  • Assist in organizing logistics and staffing events, like festivals and house gatherings, trainings, presentations, campus and community events, media events and special projects like the State Fair and “adventure advocacy” expeditions.

  • Conduct outreach through email, in-person meetings, phone-calling, and preparing mailings to supporters.

  • Engage with a number of constituencies: faith leaders, local officials, students, businesses and the public at large. Brainstorm and develop new creative ideas to reach new supporters.

  • Record, update and track results of grassroots actions, like petition-signers and donors into our databases.

  • Attend meetings and present/update others on the efforts of the Campaign.

    Desired Skills or Qualities:

  • Leadership experience, strong academic performance, problem-solving ability, excellent written and verbal skills, work-ethic, eagerness to learn, positive attitude.

  • College degree, status as enrolled student or relevant experience in environmental issues, community organizing or outdoor recreation.

  • A general understanding of sulfide-ore copper mining and its impacts.

  • A commitment to sustainable and healthy wilderness edge communities and

    outdoor tourism economy in Minnesota.

  • Ability to work independently and interact positively with board members, staff,

    volunteers, partners, media, decision-makers and the public.

  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and changing

    environment.

  • High level of comfort with computers and a variety of software and applications.

  • Experience with social media.

  • Dedication to our goals and efforts, willingness to work hard.

    Position Requirements:

  • Flexible hours (quarter time to full time internships may be available). Includes some evenings and weekends.

  • Training will be provided.

    Benefits:

    • Work on a rapidly-growing, historic national effort to protect the BWCA
    • Work alongside seasoned organizers, add to your own skills and experience
    • Make connections in the conservation community and with decision makers
    • Work stipend may be available
    • If applicable, we will work with you to arrange college credit for the internship.

    Please send a resume and cover letter, including your location and dates of availability for the internship, to info@savetheboundarywaters.org.

We invite anyone interested to let us know you'd like to be considered for our board! Please fill out this brief form to indicate your interest in being considered for the NMW board. This form is open at any time, and we further consider new board applicants as board roles become available on a limited basis. You may also reach out to Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director, at Ingrid@savetheboundarywaters.org

Please visit our Northwoods Jobs Board for more job opportunities in Northern Minnesota!

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/northwoods-job-board