Communications & Development Fellowship

Healthy Gulf is seeking a motivated individual to serve as a Communications & Development Fellow to support our work advancing climate and environmental justice across the Gulf South. The Fellow will work closely with Healthy Gulf’s Communications Director and Chief Development Officer to help create compelling communications materials, strengthen donor and membership engagement, and support organizational campaigns and events.

This six-month fellowship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. Completion of the fellowship in good standing comes with the opportunity for extension (resources allowing) and guarantees a first-round interview for any Healthy Gulf job opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Communications & Development Fellow will assist with communications and fundraising initiatives that support Healthy Gulf’s mission and campaigns across the five Gulf states. The Fellow will collaborate with staff working on organizing, science and policy, marine and coastal adaptation, and oil and gas issues to create communications products and development materials that engage supporters, donors, and community members.

The Fellow will gain experience in science communication, nonprofit storytelling, digital engagement, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, event coordination, and organizational communications strategy. Fellows will also complete a capstone project focused on an area of interest identified in collaboration with supervisors.

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana preferred; remote within the Gulf South considered.

Supervision: Fellows will be supervised by the Fellowship Program Manager and mentored by the Communications Director and Chief Development Officer. Each fellowship term will last six months.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Receive guidance and practice in plain-language science communication writing and graphic design
• Assist the Communications Director with storytelling and communications projects related to Organizing, Science and Policy, Marine and Coastal Adaptation, and Oil and Gas Campaigns
• Support the creation of action alerts, organizational emails, press releases, newsletters, and other communications materials
• Assist with social media content creation and digital outreach efforts
• Help develop visual and written materials for organizational campaigns and public engagement

Development

• Support planning and implementation of fundraising campaigns including Earth Month, GiveNOLA Day, Giving Tuesday, End-of-Year Giving, and other online campaigns
• Assist with campaign logistics, outreach coordination, and supporter engagement activities
• Support event logistics for the Sunset Cruise fundraiser and other community engagement events
• Draft donor and member-facing communications including email appeals, social media posts, event collateral, and save-the-date materials
• Assist with donor stewardship activities including thank-you letters, acknowledgments, and member communications
• Help maintain fundraising pages, donation forms, and campaign tracking systems
• Support membership outreach efforts including Gulf Guardians program recruitment and engagement
• Assist the Chief Development Officer with development operations including mailing lists, database entries, deadline tracking, and follow-up communications

Fellowship Activities:

• Attend Fellowship Roundtables and staff trainings
• Participate in regular check-ins with fellowship supervisors and staff mentors
• Complete a capstone project developed in collaboration with Staff Mentors and Fellowship Program Manager

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS*

• Interest or experience in communications, nonprofit development, environmental advocacy, climate justice, journalism, public relations, digital media, fundraising, or related fields
• Strong writing and communication skills with a willingness to learn and grow
• Interest in environmental and climate justice issues affecting the Gulf South
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and across departments
• Demonstrated commitment to climate, environmental, racial, and social justice
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Creativity, initiative, and ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong preference for someone with a personal connection to the Gulf South and a commitment to ongoing advocacy work in the region
• 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 materials to sagemichael@healthygulf.org

• A cover letter describing your interest in the fellowship and environmental justice work
• A resume
• Three references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed until filled.

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 where applicable.