Ocean Policy Campaign Internship

This full-time internship position with Clean Ocean Action (COA) is an exciting opportunity for a student to learn, lead, and engage in public policy, outreach, and actions to address current ocean pollution and industrialization threats 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 public policy, outreach, marketing and public relations, and grassroots organizing as part of an action campaign for ocean advocacy.

Each summer, COA organizes a major campaign to inform and involve the public on ocean issues, actions, and solutions. This year, the campaign will focus on stopping ocean industrialization. The campaign is held in cooperation with organizations, businesses, beach clubs, shore communities, and volunteers. The Intern will be responsible for organizing all aspects of the campaign, including planning and coordinating numerous information and action tables at local beaches, beach clubs, and festivals and events to inform and engage the public.

Specific Responsibilities

• Research and become familiar with current ocean policy issues,
• Draft and coordinate outreach, informational, and marketing materials,
• Develop and implement actions to engage people, businesses, and organizations,
• Coordinate and schedule information/action tables,
• Train and coordinate volunteers who will staff information/action tables,
• Coordinate and manage retail merchandise for information/action tables,
• Coordinate media activities, including potential media releases and events,
• Assist in the planning of issue-based informative meetings and webinars,
• Assist with fundraising and resource development for the campaign,
• Attend tabling events on COA’s behalf.

Qualifications
✓ Enrolled in college or university (all years welcome)
✓Enthusiasm for and basic knowledge of environmental issues
✓Passion for public engagement in issues and actions to defend the ocean
✓Strong research and communication skills
✓Excellent organizational skills
✓Willingness to work hard.

General Program Coordination
➢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.

Time and Location Requirements
The summer internship is full time and primarily located at COA’s office in Long Branch, NJ. Location will vary depending on the program and type of task performing that day/week. COA’s information/action tables are located throughout coastal Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Early start and late evenings, while not routine and usual, can occur, especially for events, festivals, meetings, and programs. Position may include offsite field work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and/or rain and wind.

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 commuting. Monthly stipend and travel expenses (excluding commuting) are paid. No housing or transportation is provided. Usual office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday. However, flexibility and availability to work evening hours and to be reachable for volunteer or information/action site emergencies on weekends is required, if needed. COA offers flexibility for excessive hours when necessary. The position requires a reliable car and the ability to pack and deliver supplies, and a willingness to travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Business casual attire is expected and can vary depending on the activities. College credit (arranged by the student with the university/college) is available. Start date is early in May and end date late in August.

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

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
 

About COA Clean Ocean Action is a nonprofit 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.