Louisiana Political Affairs Intern

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Program/Department Overview

The State Affairs program of the Political Affairs department leads EDF’s efforts to achieve our policy goals through the legislative, regulatory, and political systems at the state and local levels. Our lobbyists, communicators, organizers, and experts work together to achieve progress on our priority issues.

Overall Function

We seek a student interested in working on cutting-edge state and regional climate and environmental quality issues. The Louisiana Political Affairs (LAPA) Intern will support the development and implementation of key aspects of EDF’s Louisiana-based work including the development and execution of campaigns to advance priority goals of EDF’s Louisiana strategy. Reporting to the Project Manager and State Director, the LAPA Intern will support in fulfilling tasks to ensure campaign deliverables and objectives are met. Flexibility and willingness to learn and engage on pathways towards climate mitigation and adaptation will be required. The intern will be an integral part of the LAPA team, working on analytic and outreach projects related to Carbon capture and Storage, Methane, orphaned wells, petrochemicals, grid resilience, and other EDF workstreams while maintaining a viewpoint that is grounded in addressing a history of environmental justice and racism in Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Attend and support EDF in meetings with policymakers and advocacy coalition partners, with responsibility for documenting, identifying, and tracking key takeaways and next steps, including research needs.
• Elevate the personal and professional experience of environmental and climate issues in Louisiana, advancing the overall strategic vision of the project through partnerships and collaboration. May be in partnership with your academic institution or community organization.
• Perform research, policy analysis, and preparation of briefing papers and other relevant materials to support EDF’s advancement of climate policy goals in LA.
• Monitor legislative hearings; and monitor agency and departmental meetings related to environmental and climate concerns in LA reporting back to LA PA staff to share important takeaways and developments, expanding presence and visibility.
• Support administrative needs for strategic policy advocacy and education campaigns.
• Help to coordinate activities, events and projects.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in/be a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Demonstrated interest in Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice, community engagement/outreach and/or advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Presence, confidence, integrity, creativity and a sense of humor.

Location

Preferably New Orleans, LA or the surrounding areas – internship will be a remote/hybrid role with an expectation to attend important in-person meetings

Term

10 weeks during Summer 2023

Hours

Full time (35 hours/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $17-$22/hr, depending on the candidate’s educational background.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $17.00/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $22.00/Hr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.