Food Policy Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Friends of the Earthis a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power. It's an approach that has worked for four decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We're part of Friends of the Earth International, the world's largest federation of grassroots environmental groups, working in 75 countries on today's most urgent environmental and social issues.

Toaccomplishour mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economicpolicyand social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value people and the environment. Our current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy and solutions to climate change, ensuring the food we eat and products we use are sustainable and safe for our health and the environment, and protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them. This work is carried out by our team of staff in our Berkeley,Californiaand Washington, D.C. offices.

Corporate-controlled, chemical intensive industrial food production is increasingly harmful to people and the planet, contributing to hunger, disease,povertyand severe environmental damage, which particularlyadversely impactcommunities of color. Simultaneously, this "too big to fail" system leaves us vulnerable to climate chaos and other disruptions which threaten food security and our ability to feed growing populations. A healthy future is dependent on developing an alternative,sustainableand resilient food system.

Friends of the Earth's Food and Agriculture Programisworking to rapidly transition our food system to one that is sustainable,healthyand just. We carry out market and policy campaigns aimed at protecting pollinators, reforming animalagricultureand reducing the harmful environmental and social impacts of industrial agriculture, while advocating for local, just, humane,organicand sustainable food production.

Project Description

Friends of the Earth seeks an intern for its Climate-Friendly Food campaign, a project of the Food & Agriculture Program. Our campaigns work to reduce consumption of industrial animal foods; grow the market and policy support for regenerative,grass-fedand organic meat and dairy; and support a rapid and large-scale shift towards plant-forward, climate-conscious procurement, sustainable diets, and regenerative agriculture. The Food Policy Intern willassistin conducting grassroots and stakeholder outreach to support our federal policy work, help with meeting and eventlogistics, conduct research to support public policy campaigns, and draft public outreach materials.

The intern will become an integral member of our dynamic Food and Agriculture Team and gain valuable skills and experience in research, strategic campaign development, online and traditional media communications, corporate and non-profit engagement, and public outreach, education and organizing on the cutting edge of environmental advocacy.

This position will introduce the intern to a wide range of colleagues in environmental, socialjusticeand legislative arenas. The intern will work in government,corporateand non-profit circles and has the opportunity to become familiar with how these different entities work. Friends of the Earth is made up of a group of smart, creative, and enthusiastic individuals with a relaxed and friendly office culture.

This is a paid, part-time internship. Intern must be able to commit to 15-20 hrs/week; (specific hours in the range of 15-20 hours per week to be negotiated) at the rate of $19.50/hour. The length of the internship is 5-7 months, and the ideal candidate will start in September.

Responsibilities:

Research & Policy Support

• Conduct research and summarize findings that support campaign priorities.

• Assistwith policy analysis and development of advocacy materials.

• Monitor emerging issues relevant to climate-friendly food policy.

Campaign Outreach & Engagement

• Support outreach to coalition partners, community organizations, and stakeholders.

• Assistwith grassroots engagement activities and campaign mobilization.

• Participate in coalition and community meetings.

Communications & Public Education

• Draft and update outreach materials for digital and print platforms.

• Assistin developing blogs, social media content, and advocacy communications.

• Support preparation of public-facing materials such as letters, op-eds, press releases,and public comments.

Event & Campaign Operations

• Coordinatelogisticsfor meetings, webinars, briefings, and advocacy events.

• Provide administrative and project support to help campaigns stay organized and on schedule.

• Assistwith documentation, meeting notes, and follow-up activities.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed coursework in environmental studies, public policy, political science, communications, public health, or a related field (or equivalent lived, volunteer, or work experience).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to conduct research and synthesize information.

• Interestin environmental advocacy, food systems, and climate policy.

• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

PreferredSkills & Experience

• Experience through coursework, internships, student organizations, or volunteer activities related to advocacy or policy.

• Familiarity with environmental or food justice issues.

• Experience creating digital communications or outreach materials.

• Experience supporting events or community engagement activities.
• Familiarity withAirtable
  

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.