Application Guide
How to Apply for Oceans Campaigner
at Center for Biological Diversity
🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit known for its aggressive, science-driven approach to protecting endangered species and wild places. Unlike many environmental groups, the Center combines litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots activism to win concrete protections for biodiversity. Working here means joining a team that fights for the intrinsic value of all species, often taking on powerful interests to secure a future for the planet's most imperiled wildlife.
About This Role
As an Oceans Campaigner, you will design and execute strategic campaigns that advance the Center's policy goals for ocean conservation and marine wildlife. This involves coordinating with scientists, lawyers, and activists to pressure decision-makers, influence legislation, and mobilize public support. Your work will directly contribute to protecting critical ocean habitats and species like whales, sea turtles, and corals from threats such as offshore drilling, overfishing, and climate change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting a campaign strategy memo, coordinating with legal and science staff on a regulatory comment, and mobilizing activists through social media or email actions. You could also be in meetings with coalition partners, analyzing policy developments, or preparing testimony for a congressional hearing. The work is fast-paced and varied, requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For
- Proven experience in campaign planning and execution, ideally in environmental advocacy or a related field, with a track record of winning policy changes.
- Strong understanding of ocean conservation issues, including marine policy, fisheries management, and threats to marine biodiversity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science and policy into compelling messages for diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with a distributed team and external partners.
- Demonstrated commitment to the Center's mission and values, including a passion for protecting endangered species and wild places.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity
Tailor your cover letter to the Center's unique approach: highlight how you've used science, law, or activism to win environmental campaigns, not just general advocacy.
Submit a writing sample that showcases your ability to craft persuasive arguments for policy change—ideally something related to ocean or wildlife issues.
In your resume, quantify campaign successes (e.g., 'led campaign that secured 10,000 comments opposing offshore drilling' or 'coordinated coalition that influenced passage of a marine protection bill').
Research the Center's recent ocean campaigns (e.g., on right whales, offshore drilling, or plastic pollution) and mention specific ones in your application to show genuine interest.
Address the remote nature of the role by emphasizing your self-motivation and experience working with distributed teams, as the Center values autonomy and accountability.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should emphasize: 1) Your specific experience in planning and winning strategic campaigns, ideally with a focus on oceans or wildlife. 2) Your ability to work with scientists, lawyers, and activists to achieve policy goals. 3) Your understanding of the Center's unique approach and how you can contribute to their ocean program. 4) Your passion for protecting marine biodiversity and a clear alignment with the Center's mission. Avoid generic statements; instead, use concrete examples of your campaign work and its impact.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Center's Oceans program page to understand their current campaigns, key issues, and recent victories.
- → Read the Center's recent press releases and reports on ocean-related issues to familiarize yourself with their tone and priorities.
- → Research the Center's litigation and policy work—understand how they use lawsuits and regulatory comments to force change.
- → Look into the Center's organizational culture and values, including their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and their stance on environmental justice.
💬 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 mention the Center's ocean campaigns or their unique approach—this shows a lack of genuine interest.
- Failing to provide a writing sample that demonstrates campaign-related writing (e.g., action alerts, policy briefs, or op-eds) rather than academic papers.
- Not addressing the remote work aspect or failing to show how you thrive in a self-directed environment, as the Center values independent workers.
📅 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!