Democracy Fellow

About the Center for Coalfield Justice:

The Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) fights for coalfield communities through advocacy, education, and organizing. Our approach to working with area residents values their knowledge about the land, waterways, and communities. Our recognition of local expertise is grounded in the belief that people who are facing injustice directly are the most knowledgeable and should be leading the efforts toward justice. We blend organizing, communications, legal, and policy strategies to build power with and for residents across Washington and Greene Counties.

Our mission: to improve policy and regulations for the oversight of fossil fuels extraction and use; to educate, empower, and organize coalfield residents; and to protect public and environmental health.

Democracy Fellow Role:

The fellowship will run from June 2026 through March 2027, with opportunities for networking and connections in seeking long-term employment. Fellows will support organizing across Greene and Washington Counties, focusing on door-to-door canvassing, community listening, and base-building. This role is about real, face-to-face outreach, including introducing CCJ to residents, gathering community concerns, and connecting people into deeper involvement with our work.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with community events, tabling, phone banking, community meetings, and larger campaign work.
• Expand CCJ’s first-touch organizing funnel in an effort to support base-building and maximize organizing capacity 
• Increase visibility in under-engaged communities
• Strengthen data-informed organizing through the canvass-to-engagement funnel
• Build durable community relationships that convert into leadership and participation in CCJ campaigns beyond the fellowship by working with organizers on follow-ups and relationship building from the first touch campaign 

Qualifications:

Candidates should be eager to develop new skills in community organizing, advocacy, and communications. Prior experience is not required - we will train the right person. We are looking for candidates who are eager to gain real-world professional experience and personal growth in the nonprofit and public interest sectors. Fellows will develop hands-on skills in community organizing, event hosting, outreach campaign implementation, and the software platforms used across nonprofit and advocacy organizations.

Availability:

This fellowship is designed as a full-time, 40-hour per week position. Candidates with a minimum availability of 35 hours per week will also be considered.

Travel:

Fellows will be based in our Washington, PA office. Due to the rural nature of CCJ's work in Washington and Greene Counties, reliable personal transportation is required. Candidates must own or have consistent access to an operating vehicle and a valid driver's license. The ability to navigate both rural communities and urban settings is essential.

CCJ provides mileage reimbursement at the current federal rate and covers overnight lodging for work away from home. Fellows will also have opportunities to travel regionally and nationally to connect with partner organizations.

Compensation: 

This position is compensated at $22.00 per hour.

CCJ is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity, and our commitment extends to our hiring. If you believe this is a role that you will excel at, even if you don’t meet all of the requirements listed, we suggest that you apply.

Please Note: If you use AI for any part of your application, please disclose at the bottom of your cover letter which tools you used and how.