FFAR Spring 2027 Internship Program

Job type: Part-Time (up to 29 hours/week)

Duration: January through June; six-month internship (cohort starting in January 2027)

Location: Remote

Organization Description

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund audacious research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person with access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR’s partnerships and research benefit farmers, consumers and the environment.

FFAR’s work spans four interrelated strategic Priority Areas that aim to provide the impacts stakeholders need to improve and advance the food and agriculture system.

• Cultivating Thriving Production Systems
• Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems
• Bolstering Healthy Food Systems
• Strengthening the Scientific Workforce

About the Internship Program

FFAR’s Internship Program provides students with hands-on and professional development experience across multiple disciplines within the organization. Interns gain exposure to national and global agricultural research, public-private partnerships and organizational operations through collaborative projects and mentoring.

Interns may apply to one of several departments based on their academic background and interests:

• Partnerships & Development: This team leads FFAR’s external engagement strategy, including partnership development, donor relations, securing partner funding and setting up strategic revenue generation models. Interns in this area will gain exposure to funder research, business development proposal development and to the data collection, analysis, and insight generation that  that support  partnership building and program funding .
• Science: This team advances FFAR’s research priorities through scientific analysis, program design, portfolio management and collaboration across key focus areas as outlined above. Interns in this area may be exposed to scientific operations and project management, literature reviews, research tracking and cross-sector scientific collaboration.
• Impact: This team is responsible for measuring and communicating FFAR’s outcomes and organizational efficiencies. Interns in this area may be exposed to data collection, evaluation, reporting efforts and experience how FFAR develops visualizations for demonstrating our impact to internal and external audiences.

Interns may collaborate across teams, attend internal and external meetings, and engage with partners from government, academia, nonprofit and private sectors.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary by department but may include:

• Conduct research and synthesize information to support ongoing programs and partnerships
• Prepare and edit correspondence, presentations, one pagers and reports
• Assist with data entry, tracking and internal dashboards
• Support event coordination, webinars and partnership convenings
• Participate in meetings and assist with follow-up communications
• Contribute to internal process improvements and documentation
• Assist with project management and administrative tasks

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
• Demonstrated interest in food and agriculture, nonprofit management, etc.
• Completion of at least two years of college coursework preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical and research skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Application & Nomination Process

To apply, please complete the online application and include the following materials:

• A cover letter that clearly indicates the department you are applying for (Partnerships & Development, Science, Impact)
• Resume
• Writing sample

When applying, candidates must select which internship they are applying for (i.e., Partnerships & Development, Science or Impact  and clearly indicate this in their cover letter . Applicants are encouraged to explain how their academic background and interests align with their selected department.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round, and cohorts begin in January and June of each year.

Additional Information

This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. This position will be employed through a  third-party staffing partner  but will report to FFAR.

EEO Statement

FFAR is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.