Urban Conservation and Community Fellowship Program

Each UCC Fellow will be placed with a nonprofit community partner host organization and develop a 12-month work plan in collaboration with the host, The Conservation Fund and the UCC Fellowship Advisory Council. The UCC Fellowship Program will provide full-time experience working at the community scale assisting communities realize park, trail or other greenspace visions and related social, economic and environmental benefits.

The UCC Fellowship Program is designed to adapt to the needs of each community host organization. Our projects often encompass job or skills training, environmental learning programs, community-based stewardship training and linkages with affordable housing, health and mental health promotion. They use outdoor settings, childcare and youth learning, historically and culturally relevant art and other forms of community development and quality of life improvement. Community partners need various types of expertise and capacity, such as public relations and marketing, communications, technology, community engagement, programming and event management, educational programming, grant writing and reporting, landscape design and hands-on volunteer project management. Fellows will have a variety of avenues to contribute to advancing equitable access to parks and nature and equitable community development.

UCC Fellows will:

• Gain working knowledge of the effort to incorporate the improvement of outdoor spaces into federal, state and local policies that invest in disadvantaged neighborhoods across the nation.
• Connect with early environmental educators, local community leaders and conservation professionals to build a broader professional network.
• Attend virtual and in-person training sessions and/or certification programs to further develop professional skills.
• Write and edit grant applications.
• Work with the partners to develop strategies for working with local government entities and community members.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of advocacy tactics; this may include drafting content for policymakers, media and both internal and external partner audiences.
• Working with Partnership Managers, lead the creation of a network of equitable green space leaders, thereby building a cohort of influencers and advocates across the nation.
• Work with partner organizations to strengthen community engagement tactics.
• Help partners produce or update data-driven charts, maps and graphics for different target audiences.
• Perform administrative duties and help with shared office tasks as needed.

Who Should Apply?

The Conservation Fund seeks applicants interested in building a career related to environmental conservation, community engagement, park planning and management, water conservation or GIS, or nonprofit organizational management at the community scale. The UCC Fellowship Program is a good fit for high potential, emerging leaders committed to social justice seeking to expand their management acumen.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience with community-based groups, environmental justice, conservation or similar. This can be educational, volunteer or professional experience.
• Interest in supporting community-driven initiatives designed to make neighborhoods safer, greener and more equitable.
• Interest in building a career working within nonprofit, organizing or the public sector.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Knowledgeable about social and economic justice issues affecting underserved communities.
• Self-starter able to work effectively in both a team-based and independent environment.

Application

Applications for 2024 are now closed. Information on the 2025 program is coming soon!

Fellowship Details

The 12-month fellowship will provide fellows with ongoing support and opportunities for growth, including:

• A stipend to support their work in the fellowship and to help advance the capacity of local community-led organizations.
• Quarterly convenings throughout the fellowship term for shared learning, group discussions and professional development.
• In-person convenings to build relationships with other fellows, advisors and staff.
• Coaching and mentorship from expert advisors.

Compensation + Work Expectations

Fellows will receive a salary as a full-time paid employee of the hosting organization in which they are placed. Fellows should anticipate working some evenings and weekends to participate in community meetings and programs as needed.