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Jobs & Internships

Internships

The Center For Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) was founded in 1981, as the Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste, by Lois Gibbs, the community leader at Love Canal. CHEJ was formed to meet the urgent need for support and technical assistance by people struggling for environmental justice across the country. Because CHEJ is uniquely different from traditional environmental efforts, our philosophy is to teach and empower by helping grassroots groups and individuals (including interns) build upon their strengths. Through our organizing, leadership development, research and technical assistance, we empower individuals with skills and information to make sound judgements and become part of the political decision making process to protect health and our natural resources.

 

General

Hands-On “Work/Learn” Program Specifics
Interns work on a variety of topics such as environmental racism, children and toxics, non-profit management, fundraising, incineration and landfills, sludge disposal, corporate greenwashing and medical waste incineration. In addition to working on special projects, interns will gain insight into the complexities of environmental issues that involve many different players, an appreciation of science for the public interest, the importance of data in advocacy and a respect for the power of informed citizens. Interns are given tasks to match their interests, skills and background with CHEJ’s need, and are directed by a staff person in the same area of interest.

Specific Positions
Specific positions include: Research in Science and Policy, Toxicology, Journalism, Writing, Membership Recruitment, Data Entry, Library Science, Development and Grassroots Organizing. Interns are also invited to join and work on specific  CHEJ campaigns:

  • BE SAFE
  • Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign (CPOC)
  • The Green Flag Schools Program
  • PVC: The Poison Plastic Campaign

Making It Happen
Send resume and cover letter outlining what type of internship you want, what you hope to gain from the experience and what time frame you are available. All graduate and undergraduate backgrounds are welcome. If you are committed to making a difference to reclaim our health and rebuild democracy, this internship is for you. A travel stipend is available for all CHEJ interns. If you need assistance in finding housing near the office, please contact the Intern Coordinator at sfranklin(at)chej.org for more information. Send cover letter and resume to: Intern Coordinator, P.O. Box 6806, Falls Church, VA 22040 or email: sfranklin(at)chej.org.

 

Communications Associate Intern

Description
The Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) mentors a movement, empowering people to build healthy communities, and preventing harm to human health caused by exposure to environmental threats. CHEJ is looking for a qualified intern to join our communications team. Our department produces quality work for constituents and seeks an intern who can participate in various stages of outreach campaigns.
This intern should be prepared to work in a team environment, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in various aspects of communications.


Responsibilities
  • Design and create promotional materials
  • Assist in the distribution or delivery of marketing materials
  • Create and organize content for newsletters, publications and reports
  • Work with staff to develop effective communications strategies
  • Assist with database activities and perform analysis of data
  • Assist with fundraising activities (acknowledgements, appeals, workplace giving)
  • Assist with research and writing grant proposals
  • Assist with membership outreach and cultivation
  • Participate in highly interactive meetings with CHEJ staff and executive director
  • Enter contact information into contact management systems
  • Provide support, input and updates for social media and website
  • Other related assigned responsibilities


Requirements
CHEJ is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student in the Greater Washington D.C. Area who is majoring in Communications, Marketing or other related disciplines. This person should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization skills, with knowledge of Web and social media, online research and some data analysis. PowerPoint, Word and Excel experience is a bonus and will be considered when choosing the best applicant for this internship position. This is a paid internship with local transportation expenses offered.  Housing is not provided. Candidates should be excited about our mission!


Majors
Marketing, Sales, Communications, Advertising, Business


To apply: Send letter of interest and resume to:  Sharon Franklin, Director Finance & Personnel, via email to sfranklin@chej.org or by U.S. mail to the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, P.O. Box 6806, Falls Church, VA  22040-6806. Attn:  Sharon Franklin, Director of Finance and Personnel, or by fax to (703) 237-8389.

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