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Environmental Justice Fellow
ABOUT THE GREAT PLAINS INSTITUTE
A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) is transforming the energy system to benefit people, the economy, and environment. Increased demand for GPI’s unique blend of energy expertise and consensus-derived solutions has driven organizational and programmatic growth. With headquarters in Minnesota, GPI’s operations are national in scope while retaining a core competency in the Midcontinent region. GPI is powered by more than 50 professionals and is supported by some of the nation’s most respected philanthropies.
The following values inform the way we work both inside and outside of GPI. It is important to us to be trusted, inclusive, equitable, and transformative:
Trusted. We base our approach and actions on trust, mutual respect, and accountability.
Inclusive. We achieve impact through inclusive and deliberate collaboration with a diversity of interests.
Equitable. We strive for equity in our approach and outcomes.
Pragmatic. We take a clear-eyed view of the world as it is, even as we seek to improve it.
Transformative. We are a bold and passionate catalyst for change.
ABOUT THE CARBON MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
GPI’s Carbon Management Program is dedicated to fostering deployment of solutions at climate scale for managing carbon emissions from energy, industry and manufacturing, while protecting and creating high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and providing economic and environmental benefits to affected communities. Through our staffing and coordination of the Carbon Capture Coalition at the federal level, the State Carbon Capture Work Group and Regional Deployment Initiative, the Industrial Innovation Initiative, and the Carbon Action Alliance, GPI’s Carbon Management Program is playing a transformative role in building broad industry, labor, and NGO (non-governmental organizations) engagement and support for federal and state policies necessary to put our nation on a path to net-zero emissions and achieving midcentury climate goals. The Carbon Management Program focuses on the deployment of the full suite of carbon management technology – including the capture, removal, reuse, and geologic storage of carbon emissions. The team is fast-paced and collaborative with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages and appreciates equal contribution from members at all levels of the team.
Salary range: $57,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a health plan, 401(k) retirement plan, LTD, STD, life, vision, dental, FSA/HSA, paid time off, professional development allowance, and a communication stipend.
THE FELLOWSHIP
GPI’s Carbon Action Alliance is a national network of governmental, industry, labor, environmental, and community partners working to equitably deploy the carbon management and industrial decarbonization projects needed to meet midcentury climate goals. To further this mission, we have launched the Carbon Management Environmental Justice Fellowship program to bring environmental justice voices and perspectives into the fast-developing field of carbon management policy, research, and project development.
The Carbon Management Environmental Justice Fellowship program is a 15-month experience that includes a three-month policy immersion and research program, followed by a one-year commitment of active engagement and advocacy through the Carbon Action Alliance. The initial policy immersion and research program will allow the successful fellow to understand current projects undertaken by the Great Plains Institute Carbon Management program and its intersection with communities impacted by environmental injustice and communities facing local impacts from energy and industrial transition.
Upon completion of the policy immersion and research program, the successful fellow will identify specific areas of work relating to environmental and economic equity and apply those ideas in an advocacy plan for the remainder of their fellowship.
As the Carbon Management Environmental Justice Fellow, you will report directly to the GPI’s Carbon Action Alliance Manager and work alongside our growing team and stakeholders across the country.
Responsibilities:
The fellowship program provides a unique opportunity for autonomy and creativity, allowing the successful fellow to leverage their expertise and passion to develop innovative initiatives that support the broader goals of our carbon management team. We encourage fellows to independently explore their areas of interest and contribute fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and cutting-edge approaches to address the challenges of environmental justice and carbon management.
The fellowship project plan agreed upon by the fellow and Carbon Action Alliance Manager may include the following responsibilities:
Community Engagement and Trust-Building:
- Build strong relationships with community members in places with proposed or active carbon management projects, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental burdens, to ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into carbon management projects.
- Engage in community dialogue to understand the needs and concerns of its members on local carbon management projects and provide opportunities for meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to carbon management.
- Act as a liaison between the Carbon Action Alliance, community organizations, and local residents to address concerns and build trust.
- Coordinate community engagement activities, including workshops, public meetings, and educational events to raise awareness about carbon management and environmental justice issues.
Communication and Outreach:
- Prepare written reports, briefs, and presentations to communicate research findings, project updates, and policy recommendations.
- Support the development of educational materials and outreach campaigns to engage diverse communities on carbon management and environmental justice topics.
- Collaborate with the communications team to create content for social media, newsletters, and website updates to raise awareness about the fellowship program and its impact.
Policy and Advocacy:
- Contribute to the development of policy recommendations that promote equitable carbon management practices and advocate for environmental justice.
- Engage in advocacy efforts, such as participating in public hearings, writing reports, and communicating with decision makers to support policy change.
Research and Analysis:
- Analyze data related to carbon emissions, environmental and health impacts, and community considerations to identify opportunities for intervention and mitigation.
- Investigate the social, economic, and health disparities associated with carbon-intensive industries and propose equitable solutions.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice, climate action, and social equity.
- 1-3 years of paid or volunteer experience working with community organizations, climate, energy, and/or public policy. Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, sustainability, energy, environmental justice is a plus.
- Strong understanding of environmental justice principles and their intersection with energy policy and infrastructure.
- Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and draw actionable insights.
- Effective project management skills, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental burdens.
- Strong community engagement and relationship-building skills, with an emphasis on trust-building and inclusivity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
The Carbon Management team is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
EQUIPMENT USED:
Desktop computer and/or laptop, copier, fax machine, calculator, printer, telephone.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires working at a desk (either sitting or standing) for extended periods. Extensive use of devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse), as well as usage of telephone/headset.
TRAVEL:
Some domestic travel may be required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Complete the online application. Required application materials include a resume and one-page cover letter. The position will be open until filled.
The Great Plains Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. GPI is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all.
