Political Advocacy Intern

Job Title: Political Advocacy Intern

Department: Sierra Club Virginia Chapter

Location: Richmond, VA or surrounding area

Reports to: Chapter Director

Duration: 15-20 hours a week for 10 weeks

Context:  At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The intern will be responsible for assisting the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter and Sierra Club Virginia Chapter PAC in the implementation of the Chapter’s 2025 electoral campaign plan. Participates in environmental community outreach activities, assists in recruitment and training volunteer leaders, and develops relationships with local community leaders.

• Coordinate electoral volunteer activities including phone banks, literature drops, and doorknocks
• Assist with development of campaign and get out the vote materials, which may include earned media templates, phone scripts, email drafts, text messages, and similar projects
• Provide administrative support to Chapter staff
• Coordinate, track, and organize phone calls and mailings to Sierra Club members and volunteers regarding our electoral work in key districts
• Other projects, as assigned

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• A commitment to supporting progressive environmental, energy, and transportation policy
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office applications required
• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

• Past experience with VAN database
• Prior experience with political campaigns

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.