Application Guide
How to Apply for Climate & Oceans Campaigner
at Friends of the Earth
🏢 About Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth is a fearless, progressive environmental organization that has been fighting for environmental justice and systemic change for over 50 years. As part of a global federation in over 70 countries, they take on corporate power and push for transformative policies that others shy away from. Working here means being part of a legacy of hard-hitting advocacy that prioritizes people and planet over profit.
About This Role
The Climate & Oceans Campaigner will lead efforts to challenge the dangerous and untested practice of ocean and atmospheric geoengineering. This role involves research, advocacy, coalition building, and public mobilization to ensure that false climate solutions are not adopted, protecting both the climate and vulnerable coastal communities. It's a critical position in the fight for real climate action.
💡 A Day in the Life
In this role, you might start your day by scanning the news for the latest on geoengineering and climate policy, then join a virtual call with allies to coordinate campaign actions. You could spend time drafting a policy brief or a blog post, meeting with congressional staff, or preparing materials for a public webinar. The work is dynamic and varied, often involving rapid response to new developments in geoengineering research or policy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Friends of the Earth Is Looking For
- Experienced in climate or ocean advocacy, with a strong understanding of the science and policy debates around geoengineering.
- Skilled in campaign strategy, including developing and executing advocacy plans that influence policy and public opinion.
- A collaborative team player who can build and maintain coalitions with diverse partners, including environmental justice groups and scientists.
- Excellent communicator, both in writing and speaking, capable of distilling complex issues for various audiences and engaging with media.
📝 Tips for Applying to Friends of the Earth
Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly mention your experience with ocean or climate geoengineering, as this is a specialized focus.
Highlight any experience working on issues related to environmental justice or with frontline communities, as Friends of the Earth emphasizes justice.
Showcase your ability to work remotely and across time zones, with examples of successful virtual collaboration.
Demonstrate your knowledge of Friends of the Earth's campaigns and their history of taking bold stances; mention specific actions they've taken.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal values to Friends of the Earth's mission and their approach of 'speaking truth to power'.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your deep concern about the risks of geoengineering and why you believe it's a false solution to climate change.", "Your experience in campaign strategy and advocacy, with concrete examples of how you've influenced policy or built coalitions.", 'Your commitment to environmental justice and how your work has centered the voices of affected communities.', "Your alignment with Friends of the Earth's bold, progressive approach and your ability to thrive in a hard-hitting advocacy environment."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Friends of the Earth's reports and statements on geoengineering, especially regarding ocean alkalinity enhancement and solar radiation management.
- → Understand their broader climate and energy campaigns, including their push for a just transition away from fossil fuels.
- → Look into their recent campaigns and victories to understand their tactics and tone.
- → Familiarize yourself with key figures in the geoengineering debate, such as those in the academic and corporate sectors, to show you're up-to-date.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't appear dismissive of climate change urgency or supportive of technological quick fixes; emphasize systemic change.
- Avoid a generic application that doesn't reference the specific role or the company's unique approach.
- Don't overlook the remote work aspect; show you have experience and strategies for effective remote collaboration.
- Don't ignore the environmental justice angle; make sure you understand and emphasize the impact on frontline communities.
📅 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 Friends of the Earth!