Organizing Fellowship

Healthy Gulf is seeking motivated individuals as Organizing Fellows to support our work in advancing climate and environmental justice in Louisiana. We are hiring for a fellow to work as our Southeast Louisiana Organizing Fellow.. The 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

Organizing Fellows will learn to build community power, engage local groups and leaders on climate and environmental issues, speak publicly, and strengthen coalitions for clean air, water, healthy communities, and community-led climate adaptation. Fellows will work alongside diverse allies and engage the public on issues such as the oil, gas, petrochemical buildout, green infrastructure, climate change, and community resilience. Fellows will also learn firsthand how our local, state, and federal systems work and the role of non-governmental organizations in holding government and industry accountable. We are seeking individuals with connections to the areas of organizing and are focused on growing a professional career advocating across the Gulf South.

Location: Southeast Louisiana

Supervision: Fellows will be supervised by the Fellowship Program Manager and assist a Healthy Gulf staff organizer. Each fellowship term will last six months.

Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Complete professional development training, and intro to Healthy Gulf campaigns
• 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 
• Identify opportunities and coordinate community civic engagement
  • coordinate meetings with community partners and decision-makers
  • help develop sign-on letters and public comment drives
• Provide weekly reports
• 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
• Shows strong accountability in work tasks and reporting
• Ability to communicate complex science and policy concepts to community members
• Self-motivated with a commitment to develop personal knowledge of the environmental and climate landscape in the Gulf region and demonstrates self-initiative
• 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
• Good networking skills, within organizations, stakeholders, and officials
• 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, and possession of a valid driver’s license
• 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.

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 until September 9, 11:59 pm.

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.