Environmental Justice Collective Co-Lead - Campus Environmental Center - 2024-25 Internship (open to work study and non-work study)

Summary. The Environmental Justice (EJ) Collective is a project of the Campus Environmental Center (CEC). The EJ Collective is organized around three guiding pillars: Truth, Advocacy, and Community. The EJ Collective Co-Leader's work is based upon these three pillars. The EJ Collective Co-Leader promotes knowledge about environmental justice within the CEC and the greater UT community through educational workshops, speaker events, and volunteer opportunities. The EJ Collective Leader will focus on educational programming, building community, advocating for change on campus, and community outreach. This role involves engaging faculty and students in difficult conversations about environmental justice issues within UT. In this role, you will represent the CEC, the Office of Sustainability (OS), and UT.  You are expected to encourage and support your fellow CEC leaders, your Team Members, and the CEC members to learn about and be involved in environmental justice on campus.

Responsibilities.

• Develop and lead educational workshops, exhibits, campaigns, speaker events, or other events about environmental justice
• Cultivate EJC as a resource for students interested in environmental justice topics through the website and social media.
• Partner with other campus organizations and/or units on environmental justice related events
• Create and support community of students who want to be environmental justice advocates, including by managing volunteer team members.
• Advise and assist CEC leaders in integrating environmental justice concepts and practices within their projects.
• Manage a team of EJC Team Leads dedicated to these efforts, and create opportunities for growth and accomplishment for the whole team

Requirements.

• Ability to communicate environmental justice topics effectively and sensitively. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Passionate about environmental justice issues, and demonstrated interest in environmental justice work.
• Willingness to meet new people, engage with faculty and staff, and facilitate group discussion.
• Ability to relate to, communicate with all students.
• Comfortable discussing issues and how they relate to sustainability and climate change.
• Strong coordination and event planning skills. Ability to coordinate event logistics in a timely and professional manner.
• Graphic design experience preferred.

Wage. $13.00 per hour, 10 hours per week

Location. Hybrid work environment. Office located in Student Services Building (SSB) 1.302 

Start Date/Duration. Start date of early August 2024, with limited onboarding/training this semester (April 2024). This is an academic year position (i.e. approx. Aug-May). A two-semester commitment is required (i.e. through Spring 2025). 

CEC Leader Mandatory Meeting Schedule

• Leadership Council Meetings, General “Connect” Meetings. Weekly, typically 6-7:30pm on Tuesday
• Weekly meeting with Team Co-Lead
• Weekly/biweekly meetings with Team Members
• Bi-Weekly check point meetings with Staff Advisor

CEC Leader Expectations

• Attend mandatory meetings and other team meetings as needed
• Monitor and respond to team emails and inquiries promptly
• Recruit, manage, support, and encourage Team Members and volunteers
• Be an active member of the CEC leadership and support CEC members by attending and volunteering at various CEC events
• Attend social and service events whenever possible (optional and do not count as paid time)
• Develop, implement, and report on a team-specific metrics tracking strategy each semester

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and the relevant skills/experiences you bring. Submit materials via Handshake. Students who are Work Study eligible should also submit their Work Study Verification (WSV).

 Applications are due February 18th. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of your position, the EJ Collective Co-lead will: 

• Understand how to apply concepts of sustainability to their personal lives, the campus community, and globally.
• Have a strong knowledge of environmental justice issues.
• Improve their ability to work as a team using effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution to meet the team’s goals.
• Gain experience working with a wide variety of people to advocate for positive change.
• Gain public speaking, email writing, meeting, and other professional communication skills.

Career-Readiness Competencies:

As an EJ Collective co-lead, students will strengthen the below competencies. 

• Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. By leading discussions and giving presentations, strengthened public speaking skills, interpersonal communication skills, and ability to express ideas to others. Will gain professional email communication skills.
• Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment consisting of student and professional staff.
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Strengthen the use of sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. Develop and implement creative new ideas about how to educate and engage students with environmental justice issues.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with teammates and other student organizations. Develop ability to work within a team structure.