Application Guide
How to Apply for Political Strategist
at 350.org
🏢 About 350.org
350.org is a global grassroots movement fighting climate change in over 188 countries. What makes it unique is its decentralized, community-powered approach to driving systemic change, and its unwavering focus on a just transition away from fossil fuels. Working here means joining a diverse, mission-driven team that values lived experience from the Global Majority and prioritizes political wins that impact real people.
About This Role
As a Political Strategist, you'll be at the nexus of campaign momentum and policy change, translating grassroots energy into political victories for a just energy transition. You'll identify openings, sharpen messaging during key moments like COP cycles, and build influence with policymakers and media worldwide. This role is impactful because your strategies directly contribute to phasing out fossil fuels and shaping international climate policy.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a check-in with regional teams in the Global South to align on upcoming political opportunities, followed by drafting a memo on key decision-makers to target before a major climate summit. You might then join a call with coalition partners to refine messaging, and end the day by analyzing a new policy proposal for its impact on fossil fuel phase-out.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who 350.org Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of political strategy or advocacy experience specifically in climate, energy, or development, with a proven track record of influencing decision-makers.
- Brings substantive lived and professional experience in Global Majority contexts, understanding the nuances of climate justice and energy transitions in the Global South.
- Deeply understands climate politics, energy systems, and fossil fuel phase-out, and can translate complex issues into actionable political strategies.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, global environment, able to navigate COP cycles and coordinate across diverse teams and time zones.
📝 Tips for Applying to 350.org
Highlight specific examples of political wins you've achieved, such as influencing a policy change or securing a commitment from a government official.
Demonstrate your connection to Global Majority contexts—mention relevant experience, language skills, or community ties in your resume and cover letter.
Show your understanding of 350.org's campaigns (e.g., Stop the Money Pipeline, Fossil Free) and how your work aligns with their focus on a just transition.
Tailor your resume to emphasize strategic thinking and ability to work across international advocacy spaces, not just domestic politics.
Include metrics or outcomes from past advocacy efforts, like number of policymakers engaged or percentage of target achieved.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your commitment to climate justice and a just energy transition, aligning with 350.org's values.", "Provide a concrete example of how you've turned campaign momentum into policy change, especially in a Global Majority context.", 'Highlight your experience with international political processes, such as UNFCCC or COP cycles, and your ability to coordinate across regions.', 'Show that you understand the intersection of grassroots movements and high-level advocacy, and can navigate both.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review 350.org's current campaigns (e.g., Stop the Money Pipeline, Fossil Free University) and recent political wins.
- → Read their annual reports or impact statements to understand their theory of change and key metrics.
- → Familiarize yourself with the concept of a 'just transition' as defined by 350.org and its partners.
- → Look into their organizational structure—especially how global and regional teams collaborate—and note any recent strategic shifts.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid focusing solely on domestic or US politics; this role requires global perspective and experience with international processes.
- Don't overlook the importance of lived experience in Global Majority contexts—generic climate advocacy experience without that connection won't stand out.
- Avoid vague statements about 'passion for climate'; instead, provide concrete examples of political strategy and influence.
📅 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!