Great Lakes Climate Intern

This position is a 3-4-month engagement to support the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s overall operational strategy in the coastal and climate resilience realms in support of our membership. There will also be opportunities to support the execution of our coastal resilience programs. The position will report to our Coastal Programs Manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Framework Analysis – Support our organization’s operational strategy and enhance regional coastal resilience and climate action coordination by conducting an organizational framework analysis. Tasks include reviewing, analyzing, documenting and categorizing existing organizational frameworks of regional partnerships, and identifying gaps and opportunities for synergy and potential partnerships.

Coastal Resilience Programs – Provide support to help implement our coastal resilience support programs across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin. Tasks may include conducting high-level research, supporting coordination and logistics; and editing or reviewing critical program outputs. Depending on interests and experience, there may be opportunities to facilitate meetings, prepare data visualizations and press releases, etc.

Interns will also be encouraged to pursue additional research and projects pertaining to the organization’s priorities that complement intern interests and skillsets with supervisor guidance.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at a U.S. college or university
• Ability to perform work duties remotely, including access to a functional computer, high-speed internet, and a workspace at home or on campus
• Availability during standard business hours (CST or EST)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working on relevant issues, including climate change, coastal resilience or water equity
• Experience working with city staff, elected officials or community-based organizations
• Experience working and/or living in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state agencies, nonprofits, coalitions and funding programs
• Interest in working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Key Competencies

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including federal, state and local agencies, city staff, community groups, property owners, and others
• Strong written and oral communication skills including writing, editing, and public speaking
• Strong research and data management skills
• Ability to work well both on a team and independently
• Self-discipline to work remotely

About the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

The organization represents 250 mayors and their communities located on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. As a multinational coalition, we work to restore and protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin for the benefit of our communities and future generations.