Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) Intern

Job Title: Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) Intern

Department: Campaign Strategies

Office Location: Washington, DC preferred

Reports to: Outdoors Alliance for Kids Campaign Manager

Duration: 22.5 hours/week for 6 months

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.

Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign seeks to advance a just, equitable, and inclusive movement that ensures access to the outdoors for all people. The campaign works to advance outdoor equity through several national and local projects including the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK), a national strategic partnership of over 100 organizations and businesses working to connect children, youth and families to the outdoors. Since 2010, this multi-sector coalition has worked to raise awareness and activate leaders and decision-makers at the federal level to support change efforts that expand and strengthen equitable outdoor education, community health and wellness, and conservation opportunities for children, youth and families across America. The OAK Internship provides hands-on experience into the federal policy process, advocacy, partnership engagement and coalition coordination. Interns in this paid, temporary position will have an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and engage in outdoors policy at the federal level and work side-by-side with some of the most influential organizations in the US.

Scope: Works closely with the OAK’s Chair and Campaign Manager, OAK Members, and Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign team. Assists in advancing OAK’s short and long-term goals, including carrying out advocacy and government relations activities and supporting policies and projects prioritized by the alliance. In cooperation with Sierra Club staff and OAK members, centers equity in all OAK activities.

Researches and analyzes federal, state and local policy, drafts communications, performs outreach, helps to plan OAK events, helps keep website and social media sites up to date. Performs special projects as assigned.

Job Activities:

Knowledge & Skills:

• Equity Analysis and Practice. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, justice and anti-oppression values. 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.
• Interpersonal skills. Exhibits emotional intelligence, ability to engage in courageous conversations, especially around equity and inclusion, ability to build and maintain transformational relationships.
• Communication skills. Excellent written and oral communications skills. Experience developing powerpoint presentations, one-pagers, fact-sheets, etc. Comfort with (or ability to quickly learn) using software and online tools, such as the Google Suite, WordPress, MailChimp, Facebook and Twitter.
• Work Ethics and Dependability. Ability to set and honor deadlines, follow through on commitments, and be responsive to a variety of communications styles. Flexible to meet the needs of an ever-changing landscape.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:

• Policy and advocacy expertise.
• Knowledge of justice, environmental/conservation, health and wellness, youth and/or outdoors movements.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly rate for this position is $18.00/Hour.

This is a category 99 non-exempt, non-represented, temporary position.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.

To Apply

Please submit your resume here.

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.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.