Climate Justice Policy Fellowship

Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Carol Brantley Climate Justice Policy Fellows gain hands-on experience in policy advocacy, deepen their understanding of the climate justice landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes current students and young people in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and environmental justice sectors. We have two positions available, one each with our Virginia and Maryland teams.

About Us

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to fighting global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to build and mobilize a powerful grassroots movement and use our proximity to the nation's capital to push for state, national, and international policies that will put us on a path to climate stability. We take on the region's worst climate polluters using legal and regulatory tactics while advocating for the most effective clean energy policies for our region, the nation, and the world. Learn more at chesapeakeclimate.org.

What You Will Do

• Research proposed legislation and write memos and talking points related to our policy advocacy efforts.
• Engage in longer-form research papers on emerging policy issues.
• Attend committee meetings to testify on key legislation and coalition meetings with external partners
• Assist grassroots team with communicating priorities to our membership and recruiting our membership to take action. 
• Attend internal meetings to learn about and support the work CCAN does across the region. 
• Work with and learn from other teams at CCAN including communications and field.
• Meet weekly with your manager to drive forward your work plan

Who you are

• Passionate about solving the climate crisis (familiarity with climate issues is a plus, but not required!).
• Committed to justice and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by fossil fuel extraction and the effects of climate change.
• Able to manage time, work independently, and ask for feedback and support when needed.
• Excited to collaborate with and learn from a team.
• A strong writer and researcher.

The Details

Fellowships begin on January 11, 2027. Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten weeks and are paid $25 per hour. These are hybrid positions.  

• Applicants for the Virginia fellowship must be able to work in person in our office and at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond. 
• Applicants for the Maryland positions must be able to work in person in our office and at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis.

We are unable to provide relocation or housing assistance for fellowships.

To Apply

Please complete the online application by Friday, October 2, 2026. You will be prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing sample.

To ensure all applicants receive fair consideration, we will begin the review process after October 2. We will contact you after that date if we'd like to move forward with you as a candidate for this role.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions