Climate Justice Policy Fellowship

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Carol Brantley Climate Justice Policy Fellowship

Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Climate Justice Policy Fellows gain hands-on experience in policy advocacy at the state or national level, deepen their understanding of climate justice landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes young people of color in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and environmental justice sectors. We have three positions available, one each with our Virginia, Maryland, and Federal teams.

About Us 

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only group in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean power sources — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives and dirty fossil fuels are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy we advocate for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

Our team is working on bold campaigns to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate crisis we face. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically possible,” using every tool inside and outside the box—from organizing to lobbying to litigation. 

What You Will Do

Climate Change Policy Advocacy 

Working alongside our campaign teams, you’ll learn how to advocate for climate solutions effectively, from analyzing policy and meeting with decision-makers to building grassroots power through organizing and mobilizing volunteers. 

Research and Writing

Whether it’s a policy briefing, a Facebook post, or an email to our members, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. 

Campaign Strategies

You’ll participate in weekly meetings with your colleagues to learn how to plan campaigns, organize ambitious and impactful tactics, and evaluate successes and lessons learned. 

Administrative Duties and Team Expectations

You’ll be responsible for a weekly work plan, checking in with your manager to report your progress, and tracking your time and expenses.

Who you are 

• Passionate about solving climate change (familiarity with climate issues is a plus, but not required!).
• Committed to justice and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by fossil fuel extraction and the effects of climate change.
• Able to manage time, work independently, and ask for feedback and support when needed. 
• Excited to collaborate with and learn from a team.
• A strong writer and researcher.

The Details

Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten weeks and are paid $20 per hour. Fellows weekly schedule is determined by their availability in conjunction with their manager. 

The Maryland and Virginia Fellowships start Monday, January 6, and end Friday, March 21, 2025. The Maryland Fellow is based in our Takoma Park office and will work on-site at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. The Virginia Fellow is based in our Richmond office and will work on-site at the Virginia General Assembly.

The Federal Fellowship starts Tuesday, January 21, and ends Friday, April 4, 2025. It is based in our Takoma Park office and will allow the Fellow to work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Full time CCAN staff work a hybrid schedule. 

How to Apply

Please complete this Google form application by Tuesday, October 22, 2024. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.