Environmental Justice Fellow

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space through political action. We’re non-partisan, pragmatic, and effective. Along with its sister organizations, the NYLCV Education Fund, NYLCV PAC, and NYLCV Gives Green, we educate the public about a broad range of important issues, evaluate the performance of elected officials, and endorse and elect by campaigning for the passage of laws during the legislative season and candidates in the electoral season.

Description

Climate change is not only an environmental issue, it is a public health and social justice issue too.  People of color and people with low incomes are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change. Additionally, as this crisis becomes more prevalent, low income people of color will also feel the effects first and will lack the resources to properly protect themselves.  Racial injustices are evident in the siting of polluting facilities in communities of color, resulting in adverse public health impacts. NYLCV recognizes that it is time for us to reflect on our own values, standards and workplace norms so that we are working towards dismantling racial injustice rather than perpetuating the status quo.

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is seeking a part time Environmental Justice Fellow to help us expand understanding of these issues, and develop meaningful relationships with organizations in New York that work in and/or with environmental justice communities. These relationships will directly help us broaden our audience, inform our advocacy efforts, and engage a more diverse pool of clean energy and climate voters during the 2021 elections in NYC and beyond. The ideal candidate has familiarity with partnership building, is passionate about environmental justice, and has a broad knowledge of the environmental issues New York faces.

Responsibilities

The EJ Fellow will report to the Senior Vice President and work closely with the Associate for NYC Programs and the Program Coordinator. Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in partner outreach for programs such as candidate forums, policy forums, and educational forums.
  • Create and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with new community partners and groups focused on racial, social, and economic justice
  • Work with staff to develop a set of DEI values for the organization and Board
  • Support NYLCV staff with the Electric School Bus Campaign and NYC Clean School Bus Coalition
  • Assist with the development of equitable and inclusive hiring and recruitment policies
  • Assist with integrating a racial and economic justice focus on our civic engagement programs during the 2021 elections.

Qualifications

  • Strong writing skills
  • Strong research skills
  • General interest in environmental issues such as climate change, open spaces, transportation, and public health.
  • Familiarity with NYC a plus
  • Experience with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in a workplace or other similar settings a plus.
  • Candidate is currently pursuing or has completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university.

Details

Location: NYLCV’s headquarters are located in downtown Manhattan. This position will require travel occasionally to periodic events and programs throughout New York City and elsewhere in the State.

Length and Compensation: This is a paid, project based fellowship that has no set start or end date.  The fellowship will exist in perpetuity until the project is completed.  Compensation is $18-20/hour based on experience and the fellow will be expected to work between 20 and 40 hours per week.

BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply.

NOTE: All NYLCV positions are temporarily remote due to COVID-19 and travel is rare. The office will fully reopen and in-person events will resume when it is safe to do so.

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Please send a cover letter and resume to: fellowships@nylcv.org