Climate Campaigns Associate

Environment America is seeking a Climate Campaigns Associate in Chicago, IL, to build public support for climate action. The role involves organizing events, engaging with diverse organizations, earning media attention, and meeting with decision-makers. Ideal candidates are entry-level with a passion for the environment, leadership skills, and a willingness to learn. The position offers a salary of $38,250-$39,500 and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Environment America is hiring a smart, well-organized and creative campaigner to build a broad base of public support for climate action. The threat of climate change is real and growing, and yet many Americans are skeptical or reluctant to support ‘climate’ action. One element of the unfolding climate crisis that even skeptics are acknowledging is the growing cost and frequency of extreme weather events. These tragic events could spur greater openness toward the need for action. We’re working to find new ways to connect with people across the political spectrum and win hearts and minds over to climate action.

Key Responsibilities

As the Climate Campaigns Associate you will work on all this with a focus on winning the hearts and minds of the American public. This position requires excellent judgment, discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects. Responsibilities include:
• Work with coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to build support for our campaigns.
• Organize events and work with volunteers. Organize community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
• Earn media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
• Meet with elected officials: Meet with decision makers - from city council members to corporate CEOs to members of Congress - to make the case for climate action.
• Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
• Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.

Qualifications

Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have a love of the environment, leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

The target annual compensation for this entry-level position is $38,250-$39,500. Environment America offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Locations

Chicago, IL

We accept applications on a rolling basis for a Summer 2026 start timeline.

Why work with Environment America? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentamerica.org/why-work-with-us/

Our Mission and Values

Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://environmentamerica.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

Environment America is an equal opportunity employer.

About Environment America

Environment America has one mission: to protect the natural world.

We advocate ideas and actions to guide our country onto a greener, healthier path. Our network of 30 state environmental groups promotes clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members put grassroots support behind our research, public education, advocacy and litigation.

Nothing is more important to our future than facing this fact: Infinite economic growth on a finite planet is neither wise nor possible. We must shift from deplete to preserve, from disposable to sustainable, from “never enough” to “enough.” Together, our staff, members and other supporters are committed to winning changes that allow nature to thrive and our children to live healthier, more enriching lives.

Department

Program

Employment Type

Full Time

Location

Chicago, IL

Workplace type

Onsite

Compensation

$38,250 - $39,500 / year

Reporting To

Abe Scarr