Apply here (Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for this position- please see the note below about eligibility requirements)

• Website: www.climatecentral.org
• Location: Princeton, NJ
• Fellowship Position
• Position title: Research and Communications Fellow
• Department: Content Department - Climate Matters
• Reports to: Managing Editor - Climate Matters (Research and Communications)
• Address of fellowship placement: 1 Palmer Square, Suite 402 Princeton, NJ 08542

Department Description

The Research and Communications Fellow will be a key member of Climate Central’s Content department and will work primarily, but not exclusively, on the Climate Matters program. Climate Matters is a core program at Climate Central, a non-profit, non-advocacy organization committed to researching and communicating climate change impacts and solutions. Established in 2012, the Climate Matters program produces free weekly climate reporting materials in English and Spanish, localized for 247 U.S. locations. These weekly reporting materials include data analysis, broadcast-ready local graphics, science explainer briefs, and other reporting resources on timely topics related to climate impacts and solutions. Climate Matters media partners — including 2,500 journalists and broadcast meteorologists — use these materials to publish tens of thousands of data-driven news stories annually about the local impacts of global climate change and options to limit warming. The Climate Matters team includes scientists, analysts, designers, and science writers who collaborate to identify and interpret datasets that provide the basis for weekly releases. This team works collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment to support the weekly publication cycle.

Position Description

We seek a High Meadows Fellow who can work both independently and collaboratively and contribute their own ideas to help expand the reach and impact of Climate Matters, as well as other components of Climate Central’s work. The Fellow will support a variety of tasks, such as researching a range of climate change topics, exploring datasets for potential use by Climate Matters, interfacing with scientists, writing science explainer briefs, tracking media coverage, and supporting program evaluation. Recent fellows have also: played a leading role in data analysis and interpretation under the supervision of our senior data analyst and VP of science; worked with our multimedia designer to design and produce a variety of visuals including localized Climate Matters graphics sets and social media posts; contributed research and writing to Climate Matters briefs and long-form reports. The work required is highly interdisciplinary and entails regular engagement with other departments and programs at Climate Central.

Responsibilities

• Help identify and develop original ideas for Climate Matters to cover based on primary data, emerging science, and a knowledge of local conditions relevant to journalists and TV meteorologists
• Analyze and summarize data on Climate Matters performance, including the use of program materials in broadcast and print/digital media, to be used for program evaluation and development
• Help research and write science explainer briefs for media professionals
• Identify, obtain, and analyze data relevant to local climate change indicators and solutions
• Work closely with scientists, data analysts, and communications experts internally
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong independent research and analytical skills
• Experience communicating complex information in written and/or visual formats that are clear, concise, and broadly accessible
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including keeping supervisors informed on project status and progress
• Experience working effectively both independently and as a team member
• Broad understanding of and interest in environmental issues
• Ability to deliver products on deadline in a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere
• Strong quantitative skills and an ability to analyze, interpret, and present newsworthy findings from a range of data sets
• Ability to work with colleagues and partners of varied backgrounds and experiences
• Strong organization skills and time management skills, including the ability to balance and advance multiple projects simultaneously
• Design and data visualization skills a plus
• Fluency with Slack, G Suite, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and an interest and ability to learn new software

Professional Development

In addition to professional development opportunities that are integrated into the High Meadows Fellowship program overall, Climate Central cultivates opportunities for High Meadows Fellows to interact with staff at all levels of the organization throughout their two-year term and represent Climate Central at conferences, meetings, and other public opportunities. Climate Central’s biannual all-staff retreats provide additional internal networking opportunities with staff across the organization. Ready access to staff, academic leaders, and in-house and visiting experts offers High Meadows Fellows the opportunity to build their professional network early in their careers while making a significant contribution to the organizational mission. Climate Central’s award-winning staff have a wide range of professional backgrounds and expertise that fellows learn about and draw upon, including: broadcast meteorology, climate science, journalism and science communication, computer science and IT, and climate policy.

Health Benefits: Thanks to the generosity of the High Meadows Foundation, the Pace Center covers all basic health care premiums for the fellows. Fellows do not incur any cost towards their health insurance plan. Health insurance information will be made available to the selected candidate who is extended an offer.

For further questions, please contact current fellows:

Julia Elman - [email protected]

Considerations for international student applicants

Eligibility

High Meadows Fellowship positions are 2-year term positions. The High Meadows Fellowship at Climate Central is a 24-month appointment and is not a pathway to full-time employment at Climate Central at the end of the fellowship. Fellows interested in remaining with Climate Central at the end of their fellowship must apply and compete for available open positions at the organization through an equal opportunity recruitment and hiring process.

The High Meadows Fellowship at Climate Central is open to graduating Princeton University seniors on F-1 student visas who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and qualify for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). All eligible applicants will be given equal consideration. 

At this time, Climate Central is unable to consider F-1 students who are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension for the High Meadows Fellowship. 

For more information on OPT extension for STEM students, including eligibility requirements, please refer to the latest official information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration or to student advisors at Princeton University’s Davis International Center. 
 

Implications for post-fellowship employment in the U.S.

At this time, Climate Central is unable to provide H-1B work visa sponsorship for international applicants seeking full-time employment in the U.S. 

For High Meadows Fellows on STEM OPT who seek long-term post-fellowship employment in the U.S., it is important to consider that the commitment at Climate Central will require using 24 out of 36 total months of STEM OPT employment in the U.S. During this time Climate Central is unable to sponsor an H-1B work visa application. Upon completion of the 24-month High Meadows Fellowship, this leaves such individuals with up to 12 remaining months of STEM OPT at a future employer that may or may not provide H-1B sponsorship. This also leaves 12 remaining months to apply for the lottery based H-1B.

For individuals in this category, potential pathways toward continued residence in the U.S. post-fellowship include: graduate school with F-1 student visa; post-fellowship employment at organizations that have the potential to provide H-1B or other work visa sponsorship; and 12-month employment opportunities (combining the 12 months of standard post-completion OPT with the 24-month STEM OPT extension potentially allows international students to stay in the U.S. for up to three total years after graduation on their F-1 student visa).

Inquire with the Hiring Manager during the interview process at Climate Central if you would like to be connected with past High Meadows fellows in this situation to learn about their experiences applying for OPT, STEM OPT, and finding post-fellowship employment.