Assistant Director, Civic and Campus Engagement

The Organization:

Founded in 1965, the Rachel Carson Council (RCC) is the organization that, before her death from breast cancer, Rachel Carson asked her friends and colleagues to form to continue her work. Today, the RCC’s mission carries on Carson’s extraordinary legacy and ecological ethic combining scientific concern for the environment and human health with a sense of reverence and wonder for all forms of life in order to build a more sustainable, just, and peaceful future.

The RCC is a growing and respected voice at the grassroots and on Capitol Hill. We are committed to environmental and climate justice through education, organizing and advocacy – especially the RCC Campus Network (RCCN) of sixty-eight colleges and universities and thousands of students, staff, faculty, and administrators. As part of the RCCN, the RCC carries out a national RCC Fellowship Program with 20-30 undergraduate and graduate RCC Fellows selected nationwide who receive mentoring, a $2,000 stipend, and work on RCC year-long projects and campaigns from their respective campuses. Each year, the RCC also selects twelve full-time summer Duke Stanback Fellows who work at the Washington, D.C. office near Farragut North. All RCC Fellows and Stanback Fellows attend the 5-day RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute in residence at the Rockwood Manor Retreat Center alongside the C&O Canal Historic National Park.

The Position:

The RCC seeks an aspiring, creative, committed, and flexible environmental leader toward the beginning of their career, willing to help expand and innovate at a small, but respected and growing organization. The ideal candidate will combine the imagination, empathy and writing of Rachel Carson with her dedication to connecting with a wide network of academics, activists, NGOs, and writers to protect the environment through education, writing and advocacy, bringing impeccable, but accessible, science and solutions to the public and policy makers.

In addition to recent graduates, or those with experience at environmental NGOs, who have organized, coordinated, or worked with campuses, the Assistant Director of the RCCN also offers a unique opportunity for those wanting to transition from academia or educational associations to a position as a national public educator and advocate for the environment and for campus engagement. Examples might include recent graduate students, teaching assistants, lecturers, adjuncts, and junior faculty. Senior environmentalists at NGOs, or in academia, who, for whatever reason, are able and willing to work at compensation lower than larger more established institutions will also be considered.

The Assistant Director (or Associate Director or Director depending on experience) of the RCC Campus Network (RCCN), reports directly to the President & CEO and works collaboratively with other RCC staff. The position is meant to build and deepen the national RCC Campus Network with special attention to engaging faculty, as well as students, staff, and administrators. The Director should have broad knowledge and experience in climate justice and environmental health issues, on and off campus, such as fossil fuel divestment, clean and renewable energy, wood pellet production, and other false solutions to the climate crisis. She or he will enhance and expand RCC outreach, visibility, and membership growth through effective communications to the RCCN, members, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in environmental studies, science, or history, or combined with other concentrations in fields such as African American or Women’s Studies, English, journalism, public policy. Experience (0-6 years), but with demonstrated talent and commitment to climate and environmental justice.

Commitment to the RCC mission and appreciation of the legacy of Rachel Carson.

Leadership with effective interpersonal skills, humor, warmth, empathy. Ability to work well with diverse constituencies from campuses to EJ networks to establishment leaders.

Exceptional writing for a variety of audiences and in differing formats and media.

Compelling speeches and public presentations for the organization to large and small groups on campuses, civic organizations, and media.

Outstanding academic achievement and leadership in the broad area of environment and environmental justice across disciplines to combine science and the humanities with a knowledge of climate change and environmental justice.

Understanding of and work with environmental justice issues and diverse organizations and settings.

Strong initiative, creativity, and imaginative approaches to environmental work. Intellectual curiosity and strong research.

Responsibilities:

Visit and speak at colleges and universities to expand and deepen the RCCN and promote, recruit for RCC Fellowships. Also speak at environmental and civic organizations on behalf of the RCC.

Write and publish articles, Op-Eds, reports, policy briefs, and papers for the RCC on its issues to include placement in other media outlets, journals, magazines, etc.

Write, produce, and edit the RCC Campus Dispatch, a monthly e-newsletter with curated articles from various sources. Write original content to include book and media reviews, features on RCC campuses and faculty, photo essays (blog), events of interest to faculty and students.

Further develop and maintain direct contact with RCC faculty, administration, and student contacts through visits, phone, email, etc., creating a usable data base. Regularly interview faculty, deans, staff, etc. for news, information, updates, ideas on campus environmental education, activism, atmosphere for RCC Campus Dispatch and our other newsletters and outlets.

Produce resources, educational modules, and curricula for use on campus and in classrooms.

In coordination with the President and RCC staff, participate in mentoring several RCC Fellows and reviewing and editing their essays and other deliverables. Train RCC Fellows in effective work with faculty, administrators, and staff and in producing educational materials, modules, writing, etc.

In collaboration with the President and other RCC staff, help develop content/curriculum/speakers for the 5-day RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI) held at Rockwood Manor Retreat Center.

Assist with RCC fundraising and development as needed (grants, donors, membership).

Carry out additional tasks as needed and directed by the President & CEO within RCC’s mission.

Salary and Title:

$50-82,000 annually, with the title of Assistant Director, Associate Director, or Director depending on experience and ability. Leave and benefits: 3 weeks (15 workdays) vacation, 5 sick days, 2 personal days, and all Federal holidays. Vanguard 403(B) retirement plan with RCC contribution of 5% of salary. Funds for professional development. Employees under 26 eligible for medical coverage with family remain on plan until after 26. Not covered by family, or over 26 years old, choose medical plan to be reimbursed by RCC.

Starting Date:

As soon as possible, but ideally by July 15. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. Position is at the RCC Washington office near Farragut North. Hybrid in-person and remote schedule. 3 days in office during academic year. 4 days in office during summer with full-time Duke Stanback Fellows in D.C. during May-June-July. If hired before it, the Assistant Director will attend the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI), July 21-25, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Some travel is required.

To Apply:

Attach cover letter of application, resumé, 2-3 writing samples, (at least one non-academic) and email to Dr. Robert K. Musil, President & CEO, Rachel Carson Council at bmusil1@yahoo.com. Copy application materials to claudia@rachelcarsoncouncil.org