Policy Fellowship

Healthy Gulf is seeking a motivated individual as our Policy Fellow to support our work in advancing climate and environmental justice in Louisiana. This Fellow will work alongside our staff organizing in New Orleans and Southern Louisiana focusing on policy advocacy. Completion in good standing of this 6 months fellowship comes with an opportunity for extension (resources allowing) and guarantees a first-round interview for any Healthy Gulf job opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Policy Fellow will engage local groups and leaders on climate and environmental issues and policies. They will speak publicly, research policies to protect clean air, water, and healthy communities, and support community-led climate adaptation. The Fellow will work alongside staff organizers to develop policy advocacy on issues such as oil, gas, petrochemical buildout, green infrastructure, climate change, and community resilience. The Fellow will also learn firsthand how our local, state, and federal systems and policies work and the role of non-governmental organizations in holding government and industry accountable. 

Location

Southwest Louisiana, Southeast Louisiana, or New Orleans

Supervision

The Fellow will be supervised by the Fellowship Program Manager and assisted by the Senior Policy Director and staff organizers. Each fellowship term will last six months.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete orientation on healthy Gulf Policy Advocacy and Intro to Staff organizing campaigns
• Research and analyze current policy issues; brief policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders; and engage with advocates and community groups
• Monitor and comment on environmental permits impacting the air, water, wetlands, and climate
• Coordinate with Staff to develop policy advocacy strategies
• Conduct outreach activities such as canvassing, phone banking, and tabling
• Develop communication materials like newsletters, flyers, and action alerts to engage Healthy Gulf supporters around campaign priorities
• Attend and help drive participation in parish council, school board meetings, and permit hearings for priority projects
• Support events organized by Healthy Gulf or partner organizations including rallies, press events, and community meetings 
• Establish new relationships with residents, officials, community leaders, and aligned organizations 
• Provide weekly reports
• Fellowship output:
  • Complete a capstone project identified in collaboration with the Fellowship Program Manager and other staff.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS***

• Experience or knowledge of environmental issues impacting South Louisiana
• Ability to communicate complex science or policy concepts to community members
• Self-motivated with a commitment to develop personal knowledge of the environmental and climate landscape in the Gulf region
• Good interpersonal skills for working within a team environment and ability to work with diverse populations
• Demonstrated commitment to climate, environmental, racial, and social justice
• Strong preference for somebody with a personal connection to the Gulf South and a commitment to ongoing advocacy work in the region
• Willingness to travel as needed, access to a personal vehicle preferred 
• 18 years of age or older

***Research shows that women and people of color are more hesitant to apply for a job because they may not meet all of the qualifications listed. The candidate Healthy Gulf ultimately hires may not precisely meet all of these qualifications, but show the desire and capacity to grow into the role and fit within our small, close-knit team. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

APPLICATION

To apply, submit the following to sagemichael@healthygulf.org:

• A cover letter. Within your cover letter, answer the following question in 2 paragraphs or less: Climate change disproportionately affects communities of color. In the Gulf South, how can we ensure equity and inclusion as we adapt to the changing physical landscape that climate change will present us with?
• A resume
• 3 references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Schedule

Average of 15 hours per week. Scheduling is flexible but may include evening or weekend work as needed.

Status

Part-time contract employee

Compensation

$25/hour, plus mileage reimbursement.

ABOUT HEALTHY GULF

Healthy Gulf’s mission is to collaborate with and serve communities who love the Gulf of Mexico by providing research, communications, and coalition-building tools needed to reverse the long pattern of over-exploitation of the Gulf’s natural resources.

Healthy Gulf values and respects all types of diversity and strongly encourages applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting those from traditionally marginalized groups.

Our Core Values

The Gulf of Mexico region is only as strong as the communities that live there. These communities and the ecosystems they rely on are threatened by issues such as industrial pollution, wetland loss and destruction, water pollution, environmental racism, and the climate crisis. To guide our work, we rely on the following values:

• Environmental Health: We believe supporting the environmental health of the Gulf region is vital.
• Inclusion/Inclusiveness: We believe in the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in deep and transformative ways.
• Dignity and Respect: We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and to be respected as a whole person.
• Independence: We believe that we must be a strong, independent organization to address major environmental problems in the Gulf region.
• Transparency: We believe that we have a responsibility to be transparent to our members, donors, and partners.
• Self-Determination: We believe that communities and individuals have the power to make decisions.
• Responsiveness: We believe in the importance of responding to urgent issues that threaten our environment and communities
• Safety and Health: We believe that the health and safety of our staff, board, colleagues, and communities is important.
• Collaboration: We believe in the value of working with others and achieving together what may not be possible alone. Young people aged 18-30 who are interested in and passionate about the energy transition.