Job description
Environment America Preserve Our Forests Associate
Denver, CO (preferred); Washington, DC; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Atlanta, GA; or Sacramento, CA
Environment America is hiring a Preserve Our Forests Associate to lead our campaigns to protect our most valuable forests in the United State and across the globe, from the North American boreal forest to the Amazon.
Environment America is a national network of 30 state environmental groups with one mission — to change our country and our world to be a greener, healthier place. With more than 2 million members and supporters spread across all 50 states, our staff have been working for nearly four decades to promote national, state and local policies that put the earth first. For example, we’ve won policies that have resulted in more solar and wind power in 25 states, passage of the 2020 Great America Outdoors Act, America’s most sweeping conservation law in decades, and better protections for our rivers, streams, lakes and drinking water. We run campaigns that not only raise awareness but win results on the national stage, in states and cities, on the ballot and in the courtroom.
Our forest protection work
Mature and old-growth forests are critical for habitat. The longer a forest is stable, the more additional species can grow and thrive there. And larger trees absorb more carbon, making them an important part of solving global warming.
Road building and industrial activity disrupts and destroys the habitats of countless species, including endangered species like California condors and Florida panthers. It also pollutes drinking water sources and encroaches on prime recreational areas for climbers, hikers, and backcountry skiers.
The Preserve Our Forests Associate will take the lead on our campaigns to protect mature forests on federal land in the United States, to convince American companies to stop sourcing from primary forests in the North American boreal forest and to reduce the United States’ contributions to tropical deforestation. For example, you could build a coalition to help convince the Biden administration to establish durable protections for mature forests. You could write a report that convinces a major home improvement retailer to change their wood sourcing policy. And as an associate, in the summer, you’ll run a door-to-door campaign to build organizational power — the funds, the membership, the activist base and more — that it takes to keep all of this critical work going for the long haul.
We take a principled, pragmatic approach in our work. We connect big ideas to concrete policy changes that improve the quality of our environment and people’s lives. We’re looking for advocates and organizers (and aspiring advocates and organizers) who want to work for a group that’s laser-focused on the environment, who want to make a difference, not just make a statement, and who want to work with anybody — Republican, Democrat or other — to deliver action and results. If our mission and strategy excites you and you have the passion and drive to make a difference, this job could be for you.
Representative Responsibilities
Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to like-minded organizations and affected constituency groups to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with champions in Congress or in State Houses. Make a convincing case to legislators who are undecided on a particular vote. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you’ve been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns while honing your organizing and management skills.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.
This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.
Qualifications
Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply; we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight and on-the-ground training by an experienced advocate while you lead your own campaign. Ideal candidates will have a commitment to protecting the environment and a love of America’s public lands as well as leadership experience, top-notch written and verbal skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge.
Compensation & Benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $30,000-$36,000 in the first year, and depends on location, relevant experience, and education. Environment America offers a competitive benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Location
Denver, CO (preferred); Washington, DC; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Atlanta, GA; or Sacramento, CA
To Apply
Apply here: https://environmentamerica.org/jobs/preserve-our-forests-associate/
Address your cover letter to Ellen Montgomery, Public Lands Campaign Director.
Why work with Environment America? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentamerica.org/why-work-with-us/
Our Mission & Values
Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://environmentamerica.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Environment America is an equal opportunity employer.
COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boostered. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.
Location
Details
Employer
Environment America
Job category
Advocacy
Employment type
Full Time
Experience
0+ years
Compensation
$30,000 – $36,000
Start date
Apply by June 1, 2023