What are the responsibilities and job description for the FFAR Spring 2026 Internship Program position at Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research?
Job type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (up to 25 hours/week)
Duration: January through June | Up to 6-months (cohort starting in January 2025)
Location: Remote
Requirements for Applying: See Below
Organization Description
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a non-profit 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 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 together support a food and agriculture system that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable:
- 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:
- Communications & Legislative Affairs: Support content development, outreach, and engagement strategies that highlight FFAR’s impact. Assist with press releases, social media, website updates, and public policy communications.
- Partnerships & Development: Support partnership cultivation, donor research, meeting coordination, and event planning for convenings and webinars. Gain experience in nonprofit development, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement.
- Science: Assist in literature reviews, portfolio analysis, and research tracking on topics such as climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and food system sustainability. Support peer review processes and scientific collaboration initiatives.
- Impact: Contribute to data collection, evaluation, and reporting to measure program outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Support visualization and storytelling of FFAR’s impact data.
Interns will collaborate across teams, attend internal and external meetings, and engage with partners from government, academia, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Duties and 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 task
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
- Demonstrated interest in food and agriculture, nonprofit management, sustainability, or communications
- 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 and 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 (Communications & Legislative Affairs, Partnerships & Development, Science, or Impact)
- Resume
- Writing sample
When applying, candidates must select which internship they are applying for (i.e., Communications & Legislative Affairs, 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 and cohorts begin in January and July of each year.
Additional Information
This position requires long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
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.