Climate Leadership Intern

Job Title: Climate Leadership Intern

Department: Massachusetts Chapter

Location: Boston, MA

Reports to: Chapter Director

Duration:20 hours/week for 13 weeks, $20/ hour

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Climate Leadership Intern will help build and maintain a database of municipal clean energy and environmental accomplishments. They will also provide support to the climate research volunteer team and coordinate semi-regular events with local leaders and public officials. The Climate Leadership Intern will have opportunities to learn about equitable municipal climate policies and implementation and to gain skills related to volunteer organizing and supporting volunteer teams. 

• Work with staff to maintain online database of municipal clean energy accomplishments
• Research local initiatives, record summaries of local clean energy efforts for database
• Update database records, as needed
• Help revise content/layout for municipal clean energy website (masstownsforclimate.org)
• Attend weekly Climate Research Team meetings (Wednesday evenings) 
• Provide tech and logistical support for semi-regular clean energy educational events
• As time permits, prepare written project deliverables, including articles for Sierra Club’s monthly’s local climate newsletter and social media posts

•  Strong written and oral communication skills. You pay good attention to detail, and are able to communicate clearly and concisely. You feel comfortable speaking with the Sierra Club voice (with training). 
• Capacity and willingness to learn about technical and municipal programs. You are excited to dive into the wonky land of Massachusetts municipal climate action, particularly (but not limited to) local energy, buildings, and transportation programs. 
• Self-starter, motivated, and capable of working independently. You are able to work with little to no daily supervision, and you are comfortable seeking help and resources when needed. You are able to maintain and prioritize short- and long-term projects appropriately. 
• Proficient computer skills, especially a capacity to learn new software. You are comfortable working with different computer systems and programs, and able to learn new programs quickly.
• Ability to work closely in small groups with colleagues, volunteers, community members, and representatives from other organizations. You have demonstrated the ability to work with others, especially across different identities and roles. 
• Equity Analysis and Practice. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role. 
• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go

• Bilingual or multilingual skills 
• Strong phone and networking skills 
• Curiosity and interest in Massachusetts municipal climate action programs 
• Graphic design experience and skills 
• Previous experience with grassroots organizing and/or communications 
• Experience working with outside media, writing LTEs or Op-eds, or press releases

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Applications will be accepted through May 6, 2024.

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