Advocacy Outreach Internship

This full-time internship position with Clean Ocean Action (COA) is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn and engage in actions to address current ocean policy issues in the New York/New Jersey region. These include but are not limited to climate change related issues such as plastic pollution, industrialization and energy use, as well as water quality. The intern will gain hands-on experience in research, outreach, communications, advocacy, and grassroots organizing as part of a citizen action campaign. During the summer, COA organizes and launches a campaign to inform and involve the public about ocean issues, actions, and solutions. During the campaign, the intern will collect and compile relevant information, coordinate volunteers, and share the information with the public through a variety of outlets and platforms, including but not limited to events and meetings, to engage people for the protection of the marine environment. The summer campaign is held in cooperation with organizations, businesses, beach clubs, and shore communities.

• Research and become familiar with policy issues,

• Draft and coordinate outreach and educational materials,

• Coordinate and manage retail merchandise for information/action tables,

• Train and coordinate volunteers who will staff information/action tables,

• Engage people and organizations in advocacy actions,

• Coordinate media activities, including press conferences or media releases,

• Assist in the planning of issue-based informative meetings and webinars,

• Assist in outreach with municipal and state officials for COA priority issues, and

• Attend tabling events on COA’s behalf.

✓ Enrolled in college or university (all years welcome)

✓ Strong research and communication skills

✓ Strong organizational skills

✓ Passion for public engagement in issues and actions to defend the ocean

✓ Knowledge of ocean issues and threats a plus

➢ Represent COA in a positive, professional, and friendly manner,

➢ Maintain focus and message,

➢ Stay conversant and current on COA priorities and programs,

➢ Assist with and/or update relevant COA materials, fact sheets, and write monthly newsletter articles, and

➢ Be flexible to help on any project at any time, as needed.

The summer internship is full time and located at COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. It is essential to the success of the program and the overall internship experience that the applicant lives within close proximity to the Long Branch office to sustain daily commuting. The location and in-office hours are contingent on local, state, and federal COVID-19 restrictions. Applicants must be fully vaccinated. No housing or transportation is provided. Office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday. Willingness and ability to travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean County, work nights (if needed), and to be “on call” on weekends is required. Some weekend hours may be required, with flexibility for excessive hours when necessary. The position requires a reliable car and the ability to pack and deliver supply boxes, as well as set-up exhibits. Business casual attire is expected and can vary depending on activities. Monthly stipend and travel expenses (excluding commuting) are paid. College credit (arranged by the student with the university/college) is available. Start date is as early in May as possible and end date is as late in August as possible.

Interested applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and basic knowledge of environmental issues, organizational and communication skills, creativity, and willingness to work hard. Applicants should live within close proximity to the COA office. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

To apply, send a cover letter including local address, resume, writing sample, and a list of 3 references with affiliations and contact information to: projects@cleanoceanaction.org with “Advocacy Internship_YOUR NAME” as the subject line.

Clean Ocean Action is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to protecting marine water quality in the New York Bight (those waters between Montauk Point, NY, and Cape May, NJ, and extending to the continental shelf). COA spearheads campaigns with broad-based coalitions of boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups. COA identifies sources of pollution and takes actions to stop them using research, education, and citizen action. For more information about COA visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

COA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just to do the right thing, but because it makes the organization stronger.