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The Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for passionate students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in land conservation policy and advocacy. As the 2024-2025 Fellow, you will play an integral role in advancing the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s (CLCC) mission by supporting legislative efforts, building connections with conservation professionals, and engaging with communities across the state. This fellowship provides a blend of on-site and remote work, allowing you to directly contribute to impactful conservation initiatives while developing valuable professional skills in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

2024-2025 Position Description

• Posted September 5, 2024
• Position: Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow
• Focus Area: Land Conservation Policy and Advocacy
• Status: Part-time, 15 – 20 hrs/wk, exempt
• Duration: Twelve-month (or full academic year) position
• Location: This is a hybrid position, requiring one day per week in CLCC’s offices in Middletown, CT, and other hours at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Additional hours may be worked remotely. Occasional in-state travel and evening/weekend hours will be required.
• Reports to: Executive Director

About the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC)

CLCC is the statewide service provider and umbrella organization for Connecticut’s 120 land trusts. We are a leader in advocacy and policy, education and training, and technical and financial assistance to empower land trusts and other conservation organizations to ensure the long-term viability of land conservation efforts in the state.

About The Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellowship

Established in 2018, the Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellowship is a CLCC program for students (undergraduate, graduate, or recent graduates) who want to make a difference in their community, region, and the state of Connecticut through land conservation. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the 2024-2025 Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow will help to achieve CLCC’s annual conservation policy priorities, advocacy, and programmatic objectives by supporting, organizing, and implementing campaigns focused on land conservation issues.

Responsibilities include:

• Tracking and analyzing current and proposed regulations, legislation, and plans related to land conservation and the environment
• Assisting in developing and maintaining government and legislative contacts
• Engaging in outreach to land trusts and other members of the statewide land conservation community
• Drafting content for all forms of communication, including calls to action, social media, fact sheets, etc.
• Planning and promoting lobby days and other advocacy and community outreach events
• Maintaining and updating CLCC’s print and online advocacy resources
• Accompanying CLCC’s Executive Director in policy and advocacy-related meetings
• Networking with other nonprofits and environmental professionals, including participating in partner organizations’ events and campaigns
• Other tasks, as assigned by CLCC’s Executive Director, to help CLCC achieve its policy and advocacy objectives, including administrative support

Qualifications and Skills:

• Currently an undergraduate or graduate student or recent graduate with a genuine interest in land conservation, land trusts, and conservation policy and advocacy
• A can-do, positive attitude, with the demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team and independently
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple tasks effectively, and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal skills, with an interest in public-facing communication
• Strong social media skills, including use of all social media platforms
• Experience with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office products and general tech savviness.
• Experience with Constant Contact, WordPress, and/or Canva is a plus

Salary

The salary for this position at 15 hours/week is $21,000. This salary may be prorated if the position is adjusted +5 hrs/wk. In lieu of monetary compensation, the Fellow may work for credit in accordance with their academic program requirements.

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter, combined in one PDF, to Executive Director Amy Blaymore Paterson, with the subject line reading “CLCC Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow Application.” No phone inquiries, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled.

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The Connecticut Land Conservation Council is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. We strive for a collegial and diverse environment of people who generate innovative ideas and work hard to implement them.