Shareholder Development - Intern - Conservation & Community Development Policy (SSP&Sitka Conservation Society)

Job Title: Conservation & Community Development Policy Intern

Location: Sitka, AK, with remote option (within Southeast Alaska)

Job Summary:

Apply your passion for advocacy and policy with the Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) and Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) this summer! As the Conservation & Community Development Policy Intern, you will learn about a multitude of different ways to engage in policy and advocacy work while advancing joint policy goals of SCS and SSP related to enhancing community resilience and protecting the natural environment of Southeast Alaska. The Sitka Conservation Society works at the intersection of conservation and community development, deploying projects and programs that serve community needs while engaging in policy and advocacy to create long-term systems change for sustainability outcomes in Southeast Alaska and on the Tongass National Forest. Their policy and advocacy work is driven by community voices and priorities and seeks to increase the ability of local residents and communities to access and engage in public processes that impact management of local resources and landscapes. Much of their policy work is done in partnership with entities belonging to SSP, a dynamic collective impact network made up of Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, businesses, non-profits, and individuals across the region that are committed to pursuing cultural, ecological, and economic resiliency for communities in Southeast Alaska.

This internship will involve collaboration with SSP members and communities to explore policy and advocacy avenues to support the development of the Tongass National Forest Land Management Revision Plan, with research, analysis, and communication outputs focusing on natural resource conservation, community development, renewable energy, climate change, workforce development, subsistence harvesting and policy, and cultural use wood management policy. 

The specific projects of this internship will be co-developed based on the skills, interest, and proficiencies of the intern. Expected activities include: developing skillset in civic engagement; researching, analyzing, and writing policy briefs and talking points about relevant legislation or regulations; engaging with Congressional staff to provide input on legislative proposals and engaging stakeholders and organizations to take action in policy processes. The overarching goals are to learn different ways to engage in policy and advocacy work while advancing joint policy goals of SCS and SSP related to enhancing community resilience and protecting the natural environment of Southeast Alaska.

Applicants from rural Southeast Alaskan communities are encouraged to apply. Multiple types of experiences, knowledge sets, backgrounds, and skills will be considered when reviewing applicants beyond traditional academic achievements.

This internship can take place remotely from a community within Southeast Alaska, but it is preferred that the intern be in Sitka, AK. There will likely be work travel to remote Southeast Alaska communities during the summer, and a potential to help staff congressional engagement trips.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Experience working with and in rural Alaska
• Professional experience working with a unique collective impact network dedicated to strengthening cultural, ecological, and economic resiliency in Southeast Alaska.
• Professional experience understanding the dynamics between conservation policy, economic challenges, and community development in Southeast Alaska
• Policy, advocacy and organizing experience supported by a range of experienced advocates in different spheres such as government and congressional relations, Tribal relations, Alaska
• Native Corporation relations, energy, land management and fisheries policy
• Potential to engage in advocacy and policy at local, regional, state and federal levels
• Potential to publish outputs online and in print and learn about storytelling as a strategy for policy change
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

1. Curiosity and passion for organizing, advocacy, and policy as levers of systems change
2. Interest in grassroots outreach, engagement, and education with local communities
3. Proficiency in writing, from social media posts to policy briefs
4. Alignment with the collective values of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership http://sustainablesoutheast.net/what-we-value/
5. Interest in holistic community development that conserves the natural environment while supporting the ability of current and future generations to make a living and depend on the natural resources around them
6. Able to both collaborate with a team and work independently
7. Ability to meet deadlines
8. Strong critical thinking and research skills
9. Must be a Sealaska shareholder, descendant of a shareholder, or spouse of a shareholder
10. Legally authorized to work in the United States
11. Ability to travel as needed

Education and Experience:

• Must be age 18 at time of hire

• Must be currently enrolled in post-secondary school/program or a recent graduate (1-2 years), and have completed one year of school/post-secondary program by the start date
• Legally authorized to work in the United States

Preferred:

• Policy-focused majors, including but not limited to: public policy, community development, sustainable development, public administration, pre-law, international relations, or related
• Interest in classes like political philosophy, social organizing, civic engagement
• At least a 2.5 GPA
• Strong critical thinking and research skills
• Self-starter with ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment

Application Process:

• Complete online application at Sealaska.com/careers by January 27, 2025.
• Submit a resume and recent transcript (unofficial) with online application.
• Submit a cover letter describing particular area of interest in policy or advocacy.
• You may be asked to provide proof of your status as a Sealaska shareholder, shareholder descendant, or shareholder spouse.
• You must successfully complete a background check prior to onboarding at Sealaska.

About Sealaska Intern Program

The Sealaska intern program exists to uplift Sealaska shareholders and their descendants pursuing post-secondary education with meaningful career experience, learning opportunities, and a supportive community. Interns explore career interests, grow professional skills, and connect with the unique and vibrant cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. You will spend the summer with peers who share an Alaska Native heritage, learning from each other and building a community as you venture into your careers. Learn more at sealaska.com/careers/summer-internships.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands:

• Must be able to perform computer-based tasks and processing for up to 8 hours, including sitting or standing, mousing, interacting with information on a computer monitor.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds regularly.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Bending or standing as necessary.

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.