CLIMATE EQUITY POLICY FELLOWSHIP

Detroit Action is a nonprofit advocacy organization bringing working class Black and Brown Detroiters together to fight for better policies regarding quality-of-life issues. Through a “Multiple Strategies to Power” approach, Detroit Action seeks to increase Detroiter participation in all decision-making processes that affect them including and beyond elections. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Detroit Action is seeking a highly organized, strategic, detail-oriented, and justice-minded Climate Equity Policy Fellow to join the team and participate in a 2 year Climate Equity Policy Fellowship program. 

The primary goal of the Climate Equity Policy Fellow position is to provide policy support and analysis while receiving training, mentoring, and coaching opportunities through programming aimed to develop expertise in equitable climate and clean energy policy and leadership.

Our ideal candidate is a strategic, visionary, community and policy-oriented advocate that’s passionate about justice and equity. The candidate knows how to work collaboratively, create authentic partnerships with groups representing diverse communities, and is committed to deepening their expertise on equitable energy and climate policy. 

The ideal candidate is grounded in community-based organizing principles and has a foundational understanding of environmental issues, including lived experience. This is a full-time position and will report to the Policy and Research Director.

Fellowship Program Dates: September 2025-September 2027

Program-At-A-Glance:

Year 1: 2025-2026

• Fellow hired and onboard between July and September 2025
• Fellows attend virtual fellowship orientation on September 25-26, 2025 
• Fellows attend in-person fellowship retreat on December 2-4, 2025 
• Fellow’s work plan and day-to-day tasks will be managed by Detroit Action
• Fellows attend monthly virtual trainings with their national cohort

Years 2-3: 2026-2027

• Fellows attend monthly virtual trainings with their national cohort and optional Policy Learning Community calls
• Fellows attend annual in-person Policy Fellow retreat
• Fellows work with a mentor for 6 months

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grassroots Power Building, Public Policy Development, & Advocacy

• Support Detroit Action’s existing and developing programs and policies around climate and clean energy

Leadership & Professional Development

• Participate in all cohort meetings, retreats, and trainings including the orientation, leadership development, and skills-based workshops related to the Climate Equity Policy Fellowship program
• Provide input and feedback on the Fellowship to ensure it reflects individual needs through quarterly meetings.

A STRONG CANDIDATE HAS: 

• Lived experience with frontline communities; this includes Black, Indigenous, and POC communities and low-income and working-class communities
• Demonstrated commitments to racial, social, environmental justice
• Demonstrated capacity for a solid policy or legal analysis, both written and verbal, as well as formal and informal mediums
• Demonstrated understanding and role of community organizing and participatory processes in policy setting and public policy advocacy
• Deep commitment to grassroots power-building and policy development

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description describes the general nature and level of work expected and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The team member may be required to perform duties outside of their everyday responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The starting salary for this position is $60,000 per year. Detroit Action offers a comprehensive employee benefits package.

HIRING STATEMENT 

Detroit Action is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Detroit Action’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.