Overview

Second Nature is a leading non-profit organization at the nexus of higher education and climate action. The Climate Policy Fellow will be responsible for collecting data and conducting research on higher education projects that take advantage of direct pay provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) across the US, layering these projects together with other data sources (e.g., legislative districts), and producing marketing and communications collateral to translate these results to a broad audience. The Fellow’s work will support an infrastructure for decision-maker outreach, storytelling, visual geo-spatial mapping, and direct higher education engagement on these projects.

This exciting role will be valuable in supporting higher education institutions in understanding relevant climate policies and advancing advocacy opportunities as appropriate. The position will report to the Director of Communications and Marketing and work closely with the Climate Policy Manager and Senior Director, Programs. This will be an excellent opportunity to advance the candidate’s communications, policy/advocacy, and research expertise while creating resources to serve the climate action work undertaken by higher education institutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create a national-scale, searchable database, and map for higher education-related IRA direct pay projects layered with and filtered by other related data sources
• Create additional educational tools and resources to inform campuses on federal climate policy, with a particular emphasis on the IRA
• Participate and provide support for Second Nature’s IRA Community of Practice and Academics for Climate Advocacy Working Group
• Explore opportunities to coordinate with federal/state agencies and nonprofits in support of higher education climate action
• Conduct climate policy research and analysis in support of Second Nature’s advocacy goals and efforts
• Support Second Nature’s commitment to ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen, and promoting a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and justice
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in political science and/or 2 years experience in associated policy research or work experience. Bachelor’s degree and graduate work are a plus
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of mapping products such as ArcGIS and Tableau
• Demonstrated understanding of climate policy and/or demonstrated ability to translate data to inform policy
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to organize and track progress
• Group and meeting facilitation skills are a plus

Preferred:

• Knowledge or experience working with higher education institutions on climate-related programs/initiatives
• Previous experience developing searchable and multi-layer mapping products with ArcGIS, Tableau, or similar products
• Demonstrated experience and comfort collaborating with various constituencies (e.g., technical experts, faculty, staff, policymakers, peers, and other stakeholders)
• Collaboration skills are highly valued, whether through work experience or student projects
• Ability to research and analyze complex issues and information, accurately summarize and draw conclusions from that information, make recommendations, and communicate the information to others in a clear way.

Position Details and Classification
This position is 100% remote. The work schedule is flexible but entails a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week, with virtual supervision from Second Nature staff.  There is a  strong preference for some of the hours worked to fall within 10am-3pm Eastern Time Mon - Thurs.

Second Nature offers a dynamic and creative work environment. Its customized experiences for project-based employees are designed to be challenging and build desired skill sets. The Fellow may be involved in team meetings and planning efforts as appropriate. 

This is a six-month part-time Fellowship with a total stipend of $15,000, paid bi-weekly. Benefits other than Paid Time Off are not offered for this position.

Applications will be accepted until March 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Second Nature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any of the following: race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or gender characteristics, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Second Nature is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Second Nature will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact info@secondnature.org

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States of America.

Who Should Apply
Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Second Nature will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 

Faculty and Staff: 
Please forward this application to students that may be a good fit for this experience.