Community Colleges and Workforce Development Program Fellowship

Overview

Second Nature is committed to accelerating climate action in and through higher education. Second Nature released a new strategic plan in 2023 which includes a strategic pathway to “Diversify to Unify.” The goal of this pathway is to recognize and align the diverse and complementary strengths of different institution types and roles within the institution to advance climate action.   

The Community College and Workforce Development (CCWD) Fellow will examine opportunities and collaborations for advancing community college leadership on climate initiatives. The Fellow will work with Second Nature’s community college working group and campuses as well as potential collaborators such as the Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs, the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Council for Workforce Education, and industry. This work will involve coordination with various entities, developing priorities, and building alignment to: 1) create workforce development pathways in the new energy and climate economies, 2) catalyze institutional leadership, and 3) mobilize two year colleges to scale activity among their peers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as administrative lead for the community college working group of Second Nature. This will entail setting agendas, administrative duties, identifying priorities, and supporting select areas of interest emerging from the group. 
• Research various federal and foundational opportunities pertinent to community and technical colleges, most specifically related to workforce development driven by the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act.
• Liaise with organizations - federal, foundation, industry, non-profit, and higher education
• Synthesize needs and work to produce resources requested by community colleges

Final deliverables will be co-created as this role uncovers priorities and opportunities. 

Qualifications

• Ability to facilitate collaborative meetings, listen to stakeholders, determine next steps for productive meetings and work
• Capable liaison between two year colleges, industry, and funders
• Practiced as a researcher, examiner of information, and/or consultant. A strong preference for someone who can pull together various data and ideas, identify patterns, and synthesize these inputs into program priorities
• Interest and/or experience in or with community and technical colleges

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge or experience working with higher education institutions on climate-related programs/initiatives 
• Ability to work independently
• Associate’s degree or currently enrolled in an educational program

Professional Development Opportunities May Include: 

• Opportunity to grow facilitation skills
• Opportunity to network and work with industry leaders
• Opportunity to share work through Second Nature’s communications, education, and campus engagement platforms, such as webinars, workshops, or blogs 

Contacts

Bridget Flynn, Senior Manager of Climate Programs, she/they pronouns, bflynn@secondnature.org 

Position Details and Classification

This position is 100% remote. The work schedule is flexible, but entails a commitment of approximately 20 hours a week, with virtual supervision from Second Nature staff. A strong preference some of the hours worked to fall within 10am-3pm Eastern Time Mon - Thurs.

This is a one-year Fellowship with a stipend of $30,000. No benefits are offered with this position.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, May 15, 2023.

Second Nature offices a dynamic and creative work environment with customized experiences for project-based employees designed to be challenging and build desired skill sets. The Fellow may be involved in team meetings and planning efforts as appropriate. This position reports to Bridget Flynn, Climate Programs Senior Manager.

Second Nature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any of the following: race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or gender characteristics, national origin, religion, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Second Nature is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Second Nature will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact info@secondnature.org.

The successful candidate must be a citizen of or legally authorized to work in the United States of America.

Who Should Apply

Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Second Nature will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 

Faculty and Staff

Please forward this application to students that may be a good fit for this experience.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume for consideration.