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The Chesapeake Climate Action Network seeks a talented Policy Fellow to assist the Maryland Director with research, policy development, and outreach during the 2023 legislative session. This fellowship is especially designed for students of color seeking to gain experience in the areas of climate change and environmental justice.

About Us

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only 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 — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives, and dirty fossil fuels are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy that we advocate for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

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 Policy fellow 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 2023 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 2023 legislative priorities
  • Legislative priorities will likely include: renewable energy development, transmission investments, and energy efficiency programs

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 2023 legislative session and Maryland policy goals.
  • Work with and learn from the various departments within CCAN including communications, MD policy, and field

Qualifications

Priority consideration will be given to current Maryland students, but qualified candidates who reside in Maryland will be considered. The successful candidate will display many of the following capabilities and qualities:

  • Passion to learn more about Maryland climate policy; familiarity with climate issues is a plus.
  • Commitment to environmental justice and amplifying the voices of those being victimized by extreme extraction and the effects of climate change; including Indigenous Americans, African Americans, 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.
  • Strong time management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to be self-driven, while working effectively with a team
  • Proven ability to multitask, while prioritizing measurable results

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.

This position is based in CCAN’s Takoma Park office with some working taking place at the Capitol building in Annapolis. 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.

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 the Google form application by Nov. 1, 2022. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.