Sierra Club

Job Title: Community Advocate Intern

Department: Alaska Chapter

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Reports to: Director

Duration: 6 months, 10 hours/week

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 intern is responsible for assisting the director implement local campaigns aimed at building more sustainable infrastructure and transportation options in Anchorage and the surrounding cities. They will help recruit, engage, and educate Alaskans to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s targeted campaign goals. They will develop volunteers and build grassroots power and networks. Regularly works outside of the office to communicate with the public. Travels to relevant communities and locations to implement campaign plans. Assists in research on federal funding opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act and similar legislation. The intern can expect to gain experience with research and campaign organizing, and gain a better understanding of how local politics work.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

• Planning and hosting community education events: This will include helping staff lead our monthly commuter rail interest meetings
• Outreach to stakeholders, such as community leaders, media, and the public
• Conducting research on legislation and grants with the guidance of staff to find opportunities for the city of Anchorage to use federal money to build greener and more sustainable infrastructure, public transportation, and other initiatives. 
• Creating communications and digital materials including graphics, one-page summaries, and talking points that can be shared with the public to advertise events and give people relevant information to participate in campaigns
• Skill and professional development with a focus on the interests of the intern

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

• Excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas and easily strike up conversation with diverse groups of people
• An interest in bettering their local communities through sustainable and green initiativesAbility to work independently, cooperatively and effectively with the public, staff and volunteers.
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Able to travel as needed. Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required. 
• 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

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

• Some experience as a leader or participant at a school or community club
• Experience organizing on a campaign
• Familiarity with policy research

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.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.