The mission of Free the Planet! is to expand and strengthen the student environmental movement, provide resources for student activists, and work with students to win campaigns for strong environmental protections.
Environmental protection and the future of the planet are among the issues of greatest concern to young people. In fact, on most college campuses, and even at many high schools, these young people have created clubs and organizations to address threats to our health and the environment. While these campus organizations are long on energy and enthusiasm, they are often short on practical environmental campaign experience. That is where Free the Planet! (FTP) comes in. FTP functions as a clearinghouse for these campus environmental activists by providing skills training in the form of written manuals and materials as well as on-site workshops and phone consultations. Not only does FTP provide campaign skills, but it is also a resource for information on environmental issues. With a fulltime staff presence in Washington D.C., FTP connects campus activists with each other and the major national and regional environmental organizations.
Responsibilities of the FTP Director:
- Create Effective Projects
A vital ingredient for turning student concern about environmental problems into effective action is fun, engaging, and creative yet politically relevant strategies and tactics. Strong tactical ideas, combined with solid background information on the substance of the issues and policies allow concerned students to take meaningful action. Drawing on their own creativity, plus tapping into the resources of the FTP network and other environmental organizations, the FTP staff design and package campaigns that provide campus activists with the basic tools to make a difference.
- Build the Network
We must engage ever larger numbers of people in the fight for the planet. FTP staff, and the students they work with, build the network by aggressively reaching out to more students and more campuses. Outreach will include: web/internet/email; telephone; on-campus visits; conferences and events.
- Provide skills training
In addition to creating the campaign ideas and materials, the FTP staff will work to train student leaders in basic campaign skills. Trainings will happen in a variety of forums – prepared ‘how-to’ materials and other resources on the web site; telephone consultations; and, on-campus site visits.
- Fundraising
The FTP staff will raise money to support, and expand, the program. Fundraising will be primarily via grassroots fundraising events organized by the student members of the network, and by seeking grants from charitable foundations.
Qualifications
We seek highly motivated individuals with a demonstrated commitment to the environment; the ambition and ability to take broad responsibility for an entire program; strong written and verbal skills; and, campus or community organizing experience.
Salary and Benefits
Salary for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.
Location(s)
Washington, DC
Application
Send a compelling cover letter and resume to: . Please specify which position you are applying for in the subject line of the e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw our job advertised. We'll carefully consider your application and if we think you're a good fit, we'll be in touch.
Free the Planet and all affiliated organizations are equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.