Environmental Campus Advocate

Student PIRGs seeks an Environmental Campus Advocate in Santa Cruz, CA, to lead sustainability initiatives on college campuses. Responsibilities include recruiting students, supporting campaigns on environmental issues, building coalitions, and training future leaders. Candidates should be committed to environmental advocacy, possess strong communication skills, and be results-driven. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, with opportunities for career advancement.
Become an Environmental Campus Advocate

As an Environmental Campus Advocate, you’ll lead the charge in creating a sustainable future for all by protecting wildlife and natural habitats, addressing the plastic waste crisis, combating electronic waste, and more. We believe college campuses are the ideal ground for inspiring change and nurturing future leaders. We're seeking dedicated advocates to engage with students, mobilize communities, and ignite passion for a healthier planet.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will collaborate with enthusiastic student activists across multiple campuses to initiate and manage impactful campaigns addressing critical environmental issues. Your main responsibilities will include:

Recruiting and Inspiring hundreds of students to take action for the environment.Supporting Student Campaigns. You will train and assist students in launching campaigns aimed at tackling issues such as plastic pollution, wildlife protection, and making education more affordable.Building Coalitions. Work with student volunteers and organizations to create a diverse and engaged coalition focused on sustainability.Training Future Leaders. Equip students with essential skills for social change, including grassroots organizing and coordinating events.Establishing a Sustainable Organization on campus through fundraising, building partnerships, and enhancing the visibility and impact of our organization.Leading a Citizen Outreach Program during the summer, where you will manage a team of canvassers focused on important issues while helping cultivate grassroots support for key initiatives. Flexibility to move to a different office location may be required.Expanding the Movement by recruiting volunteers, interns, and fellow organizers to join our cause.This position requires sound judgment and decision-making capabilities in significant matters.Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who:

Demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental issues and have a proven record of leadership.Are results-driven with a focus on goals.Possess excellent communication skills.Thrive in diverse environments and are willing to step out of their comfort zones.Are passionate about enacting positive change, understanding that significant outcomes often necessitate persistence and hard work.Compensation and Benefits

The targeted annual compensation for this position ranges from $38,250 to $44,450, varying based on location, education, and experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.Paid sick time (60-72 hours/year contingent on location) and vacation time (10 days accrued in the first year).A commuter benefit program and potential needs-based student loan assistance.Long-term employees may qualify for additional vacation time, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, parental leave, and long-term disability coverage.Excellent training programs and opportunities for career advancement.Position Locations

We are looking for advocates on college campuses across various states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Application Process

Apply today. We have immediate openings as well as positions starting in August 2026. Short-term roles are also available.

About Student PIRGs

We believe in the potential of young individuals to create meaningful change. For over 50 years, Student PIRGs have been dedicated to empowering students to mobilize and enact social progress, from environmental advocacy to safeguarding public health. Our campus chapters provide the essential training and resources needed to impact our communities positively, promoting a greener, healthier future.

Mission and Values

The Student PIRGs operate in concert with The Public Interest Network, which engages organizations committed to a common vision for achieving social change. Learn more about our values in your application.

Please note, we encourage genuine applications and ask that candidates avoid using AI in their submissions to express their unique perspectives and writing abilities.

Equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of criminal history, consistent with the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.