About Us
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the largest and oldest group in the Chesapeake region of Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean sources of power — efficiency, solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives, and dirty fossil fuels are phased out.
Our Maryland team is working on bold campaigns that would result in policies to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate crisis the state is facing. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically possible” in Maryland, using every tool inside and outside of the box – from organizing to lobbying to bringing lawsuits. Alongside our activists and allies, we have banned fracking in the state, passed the strongest clean electricity standard in any state with a Republican Governor, and paved the way for the coming offshore wind development — and we are just getting started.
About the Position
The Maryland Policy fellow will work alongside our Maryland team to promote comprehensive climate policy during the 2022 legislative session. A successful candidate will have the skills, passion and commitment to take on one of the biggest problems facing our planet in a state well-positioned to tackle it. Maryland is a large, diverse state uniquely at risk to the effects of climate change. A successful candidate must be able to quickly learn about the climate challenges facing the area, the policies on the table to address these challenges, and the legislative process.
What You Will Do
The primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
- Climate Change Issue Education and Advocacy
- Work alongside CCAN’s Maryland team and our allies to promote bold climate policy in the 2022 Legislative Session
- Contribute to testimony and lobbying materials for key pieces of legislation with the opportunity to testify and lobby alongside the Maryland Director
- Attend/assist in organizing key campaign mobilizations, such as rallies, lobby days, or other events
- Research and content creation
- Assist the Maryland Director and policy team with issue research and the creation of materials such as factsheets, white papers, blog posts, and social media content relevant to the 2022 legislative priorities
- Administrative duties and CCAN team expectations
- Attend internal meetings to learn about and support the work CCAN does across the region on the state and local level
- Assist the CCAN field team with grassroots organizing and outreach as it pertains to the 2022 legislative session and Maryland policy goals.
- Work with and learn from the various departments within CCAN including communications, MD policy, and field
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will display the following capabilities and qualities:
- Familiarity with climate issues is a plus and a passion to learn more about Maryland climate policy is a must.
- Commitment to environmental justice tenets and amplifying the voices of those being victimized by extreme extraction and the effects of climate change, including; Indigenous American, African American, low and moderate income communities, rural communities, and struggling farm families.
- Strong dedication to justice, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to work with social media and digital tools to convey complex ideas in accessible ways
- Ability to work independently while working effectively with a team and seeking feedback and support when needed.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The Details
CCAN is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse workforce. We value bringing a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives on staff because it makes us smarter and more effective at what we do and, ultimately, we want our staff and supporters to reflect the communities we organize. We are seeking to recruit individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this position.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this position will rely heavily on remote project management and the utilization of digital tools to move people to action from the safety of their homes. However, you must be physically located in Maryland, DC, or Virginia.
Because the timeline of this position will overlap with the Maryland Legislative Session, some in-person work may be available but will be determined by local public health precautions, candidate comfort level, and vaccination status. If health conditions allow, this position may involve travel throughout the state. Mileage reimbursement is available for all CCAN-required travel except travel to and from the office (commute). The Maryland Policy Fellow reports to the Maryland Director, and occasionally works with the Maryland Grassroots Coordinator.
Compensation is $15.00 per hour for 20 hours per week during the Winter/Spring semester over a period of 15 weeks.
How to Apply
Please fill out this Google form application by November 21, 2021, 11:59pm EST. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume. A writing sample is optional.