philanthropy manager

fellow

legal intern

director

student intern

Environmental Defense Fund

Working at EDF is a great experience, with employees working passionately on a shared mission. The senior staff, particularly the CEO are friendly and take time to interact with all employees (time permitting). The work environment is very professional, with good benefits and a superb work-life balance. 

As is typical with environmental organization, certain long-term employees tend to be bits of snobs, not tolerating junior staff's lack of advanced training or a differing opinion. Additionally, numerous employees introduced outside/non-related positions to work environments. 

The main problem I experienced, was supervisors lacking in interpersonal skills, and a lack of interest in cultivating employees. Additionally, supervisors clearly chose favorites based upon factors unrelated to work performance.

EDF is a true stand out organization.  Their purpose and mission is strong and their passion is fierce.  This is a place that you can truly belong, where your individuality is welcomed and embraced, and where you can really make a difference.  EDF genuinely cares about work life balance, something most organizations only claim to care about.  EDF is surprisingly ahead of the pack from a technology perspective and is very forward thinking.  Pay is slightly below average in certain markets, but they make up for that in a multitude of other ways.  If you are looking for a place you can be proud to work for, EDF is that place.

EDF has been a great place to work at. Not only are the people there are kind and intelligent, the work/life culture is a bonus. Management is understanding in regards of emergencies to outside interests when taking time off. EDF also promotes constant learning and there is a tuition reimbursement program that employees take advantage. 

The only downfall is the room for advancement. You're guaranteed a raise but since no one leaves the company, most end up in the same position for years.

Although this company is going through a restructuring, the mission and the commitment of staff remains clear and foremost.  The workplace culture is very accepting and collaborative.  The various donors and constant stream of proposals and reports keeps work interesting and feeling relevant.  

I switched careers and recently joined EDF.  I wasn't sure about a non-profit, but I am so glad that I am here!  The work we do is amazing, as we are working to save the planet and to make sure there is environmental justice for all.  The work is interesting, the people are passionate and kind and there is a general feeling of purpose and accomplishment.

Although from the outside, the Outreach coordinator didn't precisely fit my biologist background, the position was so dynamic and in contact with so many fisheries stakeholders, that I didn´t miss the work that I´ve done in the past in the field as much as I thought I would. And that was the charm of the work. I´d got to work developing content, but also, working with fishermen, scientists, cooks, politicians. which made me understand the industry much better that if I was focused only in one task.

Overall I've really enjoyed my time at EDF. Everyone is hardworking and very respectful. On a typical day I will manage calendars for 4 supervisors. I will do research for specific projects given to me. I'll coordinate events for the energy and economics program. The range of duties is pretty wide and requires me to be very flexible.

Typical work day started at 9:30 and ended at 5:30/6:00.  Work scheduled highly contingent on the type of position.

While the organization is full of great, highly educated people, good managers were hard to come by.  

Acess to VPs and directors was difficult and there is a noticeable level of elitism present.

Pay is good for an NGO.

EDF is a wonderful place to work with smart and passionate people. I've learned so much from my colleagues and have made lifelong friends. The work itself is challenging and stimulating. The core values - innovation, partnerships, prosperity - come through in the work and in the people.

The mission is the best part of this company. You work many hats for minimum pay. You are better off leaving if you wish to advance in your career. They do not focus on personal growth and ensuring management is quite frankly useful. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Philanthropy manager 2 salaries reported	$114,750 per year
Fellow 6 salaries reported	$85,000 per year
Legal intern 5 salaries reported	$28.57 per hour
Director 6 salaries reported	$139,000 per year
Student intern 5 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour

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