TWS’ Wild Forever Future Fellowship program is focused on recruiting and developing the next generation of conservation and public lands leaders by providing young talented activists the opportunity to develop hands-on campaign skills, a network of colleagues throughout the community and a comprehensive understanding of public lands conservation campaigns. As part of the year-long program, Fellows will receive specific public lands campaign training, travel to Washington DC to gain hands-on experience with the legislative process while working with mentors throughout the community.
Public Lands Fellowship Description
TWS is seeking a Public Lands Fellow for its Los Angeles office. This is an exceptional opportunity for an organizing or communications professional to apply his or her experience to help develop new constituencies for environmental protection and increase the media visibility of TWS’ work in California.
The immediate goals of this position are to:
- build support for legislation protecting the San Gabriel Mountains within the urban communities along the San Gabriel River and the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, and
- assist the Communications Director with communication and media outreach which includes research and/or writing for Letters to Editor, website content, news releases and factsheets; updating websites with photos and written content; developing and updating media contact lists; Assist with press conferences and media events; monitoring media coverage and creating news clip file (print copies and online).
- Develop specific public lands campaign skills and experience to position fellows as future leaders in the movement
This individual will spend approximately 60% time on program work and 40% on communication activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Through grassroots and grasstops organizing, build support for protective federal designations in the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains;
- Develop and lead program to recruit diverse supporters for campaign work in Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley;
- Work with coalition partners to develop strategy, execute plans, and maintain positive relationships;
- Lead hands-on restoration projects and other outings in the San Gabriel Mountains;
- Assist the Communications Director with communication and media outreach which includes research and/or writing for Letters to Editor, website content, news releases and factsheets; updating websites with photos and written content; developing and updating media contact lists; Assist with press conferences and media events; monitoring media coverage and creating news clip file (print copies and online).
- Short-duration travel to attend meetings, give presentations, and conduct field visits is required
- Participate in fellowship trainings and events in Washington
- Write a regular Blog about your Fellowship experience
- Shoot and develop regular video(s) about fellowship and campaign experience(s)
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in the natural or social sciences;
- At least two years experience in communications and/or campaign organizing;
- Spanish fluency;
- Experience working with communities of color;
- Experience with political or advocacy campaign work;
- Superior writing and research skills. Ability to rewrite scientific/legislative policy language into simple and descriptive English;
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills;
- Detail-oriented;
- Ability to handle multiple assignments;
- Experience working on CA environmental issues;
- Passion for and commitment to wildland conservation;
- Ability to work independently and on a team.
This is a one year fellowship position within The Wilderness Society, and the work environment and compensation are competitive with university, government, and nonprofit positions. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement savings plan, and paid vacation and sick leave.
At TWS, we advocate for and protect the rich variety of life, values and experiences that wild places provide; as an organization we are equally committed to honoring diversity in our staff and creating an inclusive work environment.
To apply please send a single email with the following four attachments to staffing@tws.org with the subject line “Public Lands Fellowship”:
- a cover letter explaining your qualifications for and interest in this position
- resume or curriculum vitae
- writing sample
- the name, address, and phone number for three references
No phone inquiries please.
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