In September 2014, Audubon released a nationwide study with the clear message that half of North America’s birds are at serious risk from climate change. The study incorporates more than a century of science to predict how birds’ ranges will shift, shrink, or expand in the coming decades due to the changing climate. Audubon’s response to this grave threat to birds is the Climate Strategy, a growing team across the U.S. working to engage people’s love of birds to create durable public support for bird-friendly climate policies.
Audubon’s Climate Strategy works on policy at the federal, state, and municipal level, as well as across Audubon’s other core strategies (Coasts, Water, Working Lands, and Bird Friendly Community). Our strategy also consists of a science team, working to finalize a new set of climate models by fall 2019, and a renewable energy program, advocating for well-sited renewable energy projects across the US.
This summer will be a very busy time at Audubon -- based on the fellow’s interest and organizational priorities, the fellow will meaningfully contribute to various projects across the strategy. These projects include, but are not exclusive to, state-level policy scans and campaigns, a federal policy platform, the rollout of our newest climate models, analyzing and issuing comments on renewable energy projects, and toolkits to engage volunteers and members in local climate advocacy.
At the end of the fellowship, the fellow will:
- Have gained valuable experiences and relationships interacting with professional communicators, conservation leaders, science staff, policy staff, and campaigners at Audubon, as well as staff and volunteers from across the network.
- Have developed a new set of communication and community organization skills and tangible achievements through hands-on work and responsibility.
- Contributed meaningfully to the success of our strategy’s work at multiple levels and/or across organizational priorities through research, special projects and implementation.
Personal Attributes:
- Self-starter with a creative, resourceful spirit.
- Strong work ethic with exceptional organizational skills and an eye for details.
- Dedicated and excited about working in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit organization.
- Independent and able to work with little oversight.
- Appetite for learning and growth.
Primary Qualifications:
- Strong oral and written communication skills; well organized.
- Adaptable and versatile; able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.
- Understanding of GIS or other mapping software a bonus.
- Experience with InDesign or other creative software a bonus.
- Genuine interest in conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.