Application Guide
How to Apply for California Climate Organizer
at Center for Biological Diversity
🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national nonprofit known for its bold, science-based advocacy to protect endangered species and wild places. Working here means joining a team that uses legal petitions, grassroots organizing, and creative campaigns to hold corporations and governments accountable for climate and biodiversity crises.
About This Role
As the California Climate Organizer, you'll lead the charge in building a powerful movement to make fossil fuel polluters pay for climate damages in California. This role combines strategic coalition-building, grassroots engagement, and legislative advocacy to push for progressive climate policies that directly impact the state's most vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with coalition partners to coordinate an upcoming town hall, followed by researching a key legislator's stance on a polluter-pays bill. Afternoon could involve drafting a campaign action alert, hosting a training for grassroots volunteers, and ending with a debrief call on a local resolution campaign.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For
- A seasoned organizer with 3+ years (or 8+ for senior) of proven success in coalition-based campaigns, ideally within California's climate or progressive movement.
- Deeply familiar with California's political landscape, including key legislative processes, local government structures, and environmental justice networks.
- A skilled facilitator and communicator who can bridge diverse stakeholders—from frontline communities to elected officials—and mobilize them toward shared goals.
- Comfortable working remotely while traveling frequently across California, managing multiple fast-paced campaigns, and adapting quickly to shifting political opportunities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity
Highlight specific California climate campaigns you've led or contributed to, including tangible outcomes like passed resolutions, secured commitments, or built coalitions.
Demonstrate your understanding of the Center's unique approach—combining legal action with grassroots organizing—and how your experience aligns with that dual strategy.
Tailor your resume to show results-oriented metrics (e.g., number of coalition partners recruited, events organized, decision-makers engaged) rather than just responsibilities.
Mention any experience with making polluters pay policies (e.g., climate superfund, carbon pricing, fee-and-dividend) and how you've advanced similar accountability measures.
Include a brief note on your familiarity with California's environmental justice communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel pollution.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for holding fossil fuel polluters accountable and your alignment with the Center's mission to protect species and ecosystems through climate action.", 'Specific examples of organizing wins in California, particularly those that involved coalition coordination and legislative advocacy.', 'Your ability to work independently in a remote setting while maintaining strong relationships with diverse partners across the state.', "Your understanding of the political and environmental justice landscape in California and how you'd leverage it to advance the campaign."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Center's recent campaigns, especially the 'Make Polluters Pay' initiative and their work on California's climate superfund bill (SB 1137).
- → Familiarize yourself with key California climate policies like AB 32, SB 100, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and how they intersect with environmental justice.
- → Learn about the Center's organizational culture and values, particularly their commitment to biodiversity and using creative tactics (e.g., street art, legal petitions).
- → Identify major coalition partners in California climate justice (e.g., Communities for a Better Environment, Sierra Club California) and their recent campaigns.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the Center's specific mission or the 'polluter pays' focus of this role.
- Overlooking the importance of environmental justice and only focusing on climate policy without addressing frontline communities.
- Underestimating the travel and time commitment—this role requires frequent in-person events and meetings across California, not just remote work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Biological Diversity!