Ports and Community Engagement Campaigner

Position Summary

The Oceans and Vessels team is seeking a Ports and Community Engagement Campaigner to support Environmental Justice efforts in port-side communities. This temporary, part-time role will focus on community engagement, outreach, and campaign support related to maritime shipping, port operations, workforce development, and environmental and public health impacts. 

This Campaigner will collaborate closely with community-based partners, advocacy organizations, and internal staff across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Northwest, and Gulf Coast regions to advance local engagement, education, and policy-focused campaign work. This position will work closely with the Ports and Policy Engagement Campaigner to ensure continuity of operations. While each role has defined areas of focus, both positions are expected to provide backup and support for core functions as needed, including during periods of high workload or when coverage is required.  

The hourly rate for this term-limited, part-time remote position is $32-$38, working up to 25 hours per week depending on project needs.  This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position.   

Probationary Period: 

The first three (3) months of employment are considered a probationary period. 

Essential Functions

Community Engagement and Collaboration 50% 

Support outreach, scheduling, and follow-up with community-based partners, local port advisory councils, government entities, and nonprofit collaborators.  

Assist with planning and coordination of virtual and in-person engagements, including confirming logistics and preparing materials. 

Take detailed meeting notes and support relationship-building with student groups, local school boards, family service organizations, and Environmental Justice partners.  

Data Management and Campaign Support 25%  

Maintain and regularly update Ports Environmental Justice engagement databases and file systems such as Microsoft Excel, Word and Google documents. 

Gather and track data from port tours, community engagements, and FoE hosted events. 

Support production and content creation for film, podcast, conference, and workshop engagements featuring program staff and partners. 

Research and Technical Assistance 15% 

Assist with the facilitation or presentation of port-related health impacts on portside communities, emerging port technologies (including electrification and alternative fuels), and workforce development opportunities. 

Support the Ports Campaign Manager in providing technical assistance to community-based partners, including training related to port electrification, pollution impacts, climate action planning, and grant development. 

Policy and Communications Support 10% 

Assist the Ports Campaign manager in coordinating local and regional support for state and federal policy initiatives, including the Clean Shipping and port-related regulatory campaigns. 

Assist with the outreach and engagement with legislators, partners, and policymakers as needed. This may include limited lobbying activities or engagement classified as political or C4 action.  

Required Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or 3-5 years of relevant work experience.  

Background or experience in public health, environmental studies, nonprofit or government sectors, public administration, or related fields preferred. 

This is a remote position. Candidates must have the ability to travel periodically to locations across the East Coast, Gulf Coast, or Mid-Atlantic regions for meetings, collaboration, and organizational events. Proximity to these regions is strongly preferred.  

Proficiency with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet) and standard productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).  

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and demonstrate initiative.  

Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.  

Preferred Qualifications 

Demonstrated experience in social justice, advocacy, nonprofit or governmental affairs, or related policy work. 

Experience facilitating training, workshops, or group discussions and engaging participants in collaborative learning. 

Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting port-side or Environmental Justice communities, through lived, professional, or academic experience. 

At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Community engagement, particularly with residents of overburdened or historically underserved communities; Grant writing or fundraising support; Development and facilitation of formal presentations; Policy research and analysis; Environmental health, science, or related fields. 

Perks and Benefits: 

12.5 vacation days to start 

10 sick days 

Short-term and long-term disability

15 paid holidays 

1.5 floating holidays 

401(k) retirement plan with company match 

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. In compliance with federal law, all people hired will be required to verify identity and complete eligibility verification upon hire.