Ports and Policy Engagement Campaigner

Position Summary 

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

This Campaigner will collaborate closely with community-based partners, advocacy organizations, and Environmental Justice coalition partners 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 Community 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: 

 Policy and Communications Support 40% 

Assist with local and regional supporting state and federal policy initiatives, including the Clean Shipping and port-related regulatory campaigns. 

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

Assist with coordination of national and locally based coalition partners regarding the Clean Ports Report Card Project.  

Contribute to the increase in adequate public information, documents, research, and studies on the health and environmental impacts of port operations and their expansion plans - e.g., Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ); Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and 3) Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). 

Research and Technical Assistance 30% 

Assist with research on port-related Environmental Justice policies, emerging port technologies (including electrification and alternative fuels), and workforce development opportunities. 

Assist with identifying grant opportunities and mapping them to local community needs. 

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. 

Support research on Generative AI tools and their potential applications to promote ethical and responsible use. 

Community Engagement and Collaboration 20% 

Support outreach, scheduling, and follow-up with community-based partners, national/regional 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 medical and educational institutions, environmental legal groups, health organizations, and environmental justice partners.  

Data Management and Campaign Support 10%  

Maintain and regularly update Ports Environmental Justice engagement databases and file systems. 

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. 

Required Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or 3-5 years 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 (Teams, Zoom, Google Met) and basic productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace).  

Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and take 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 working across disciplines—such as environmental policy, technology innovation, workforce development, or community engagement—to support research, programs, or initiatives. 

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

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

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.