Charles Jordan Memorial Summer 2021 Internship

~ The Conservation Fund (“TCF” or the “Fund”) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the dual mission of protecting America’s most important land, water, and natural resources while also supporting economic growth in communities. ~

Top‐ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, in its 33‐year history The Conservation Fund has protected more than eight million acres of critical conservation property worth $6.8 billion across all 50 States.

• Click here to learn more about The Conservation Fund.

The Charles Jordan Memorial Internship was established by The Conservation Fund to keep alive the passion, commitment, and wisdom that Charles Jordan brought to his 20 years of leadership on the Fund’s national Board of Directors. This paid internship is available for ten weeks during the summer of 2021; the specific dates for the position are flexible.

Charles was the first African American to chair a national environmental organization, serving as chairman of The Conservation Fund’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2008.  He believed passionately in diversifying the conservation movement.  The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion were central to who he was and all he did.  In keeping with Charles Jordan’s vision, the goals of this internship are to:

• Honor and implement Charles Jordan’s leadership and vision for an equitable, diverse, and inclusive national conservation movement;
• Provide a career-oriented learning experience for a student who has the passion, creativity and skills to implement Charles’ vision; and
• Grow the next generation of conservation leaders through the internship experience and test and communicate new approaches that advance Charles’ legacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

For the summer of 2021, the Charles Jordan Memorial Internship project is “The Selma to Montgomery March: Conservation & Collaboration.”

The Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 took place along a 54 mile stretch in the heart of the Alabama Black Belt. Beginning in Selma and ending steps away from the Alabama capital in Montgomery, the march was a climax of a 100 years of voter suppression in America. The historic march was led by Alabama native Congressman John Lewis and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to raise awareness of the brutal voter suppression taking place in the south.

• As a direct result of the march Congress enacted the most sweeping voting rights legislation in American History, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Voting Rights Act prohibits racial discrimination in voting and is seen as the moment that broke decades of Jim Crow laws. 

The brave and courageous marchers set out on March 21, 1965, 14 days after “Bloody Sunday,” taking four days to reach Montgomery. Along the way the marchers rested four nights, starting at the David Hall Farm/Campsite 1, Rosie Steel Farm/Campsite 2, Robert Gardner Farm/Campsite 3, and St. Jude Campus/Campsite 4. The property owners faced death threats and retaliation on themselves and their families, but their bravery and courage has had a lasting impact on America, her institutions, and her citizens.

Currently these sites remain unprotected, in disrepair, and their stories untold. The personal courage of the landowners, the record of the events that occurred at each camp, and the greater significance of the march have shaped America forever. The Conservation Fund has made initial contact with each campsite landowner, each willing and wanting protection for their properties and elevation of the stories of these significant historical events. The Charles Jordan intern will continue building relationships and trust with the four Campsite owners, engage local stakeholders, and encourage networking to build a sustainable vision for preserving these historical sites.

To advance the Fund’s mission to conserve land and build economic value, the Charles Jordan Memorial Summer 2021 Intern will work to develop a conservation strategy for these significant campsites to preserve their history, while also integrating services from The Fund to create a digital social media narrative across various platforms to elevate this story among local, state, and federal partners to assess the economic potential to support these families, generate business opportunities, and build a network of resources.  

• TITLE: Charles Jordan Memorial Summer 2021 Internship
• EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT STATUS: Non-exempt
• REPORTS TO: Director, Conservation Leadership Network and State Director, GA & AL
• LOCATION: Remote due to COVID. Prefer Selma and Montgomery, AL area
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 22, 2021

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will assist in developing an emerging strategy for the conservation of each of the four campsites and the related broader engagement strategy of local communities and beyond in these significant Civil Rights sites.  Specific deliverables include: 

• Alabama Civil Rights Asset Inventory & Assessment – understanding of physical preservation needs, funding, and capacity gaps of underrepresented Civil Rights Movement-related sites in the Selma and Montgomery area.
• Conservation resources research – initial priorities for each of the landowners have been identified, each requiring funding and technical expertise that will need to be researched and pursued.
• Project management – strategy development, communication, and coordination among all burgeoning project partners.
• Storytelling & Communication Material Development – working with The Fund’s marketing team and project partners, the intern will develop communication collateral – such as project information sheets, maps, website project pages, and blogs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Currently enrolled in or graduating from an accredited college or university with a minimum of two years completed course work.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale preferred.
• Strong interest in/awareness of Civil Rights history in general and specifically Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
• Strong interest in education or training related to Civil Rights history and community engagement.
• Knowledge regarding conservation and real estate transactions preferred.
• Strong skills and previous experiences related to project management, facilitation, public speaking, communications, grant writing and research preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office preferred.

To Apply

• Qualified candidates should click "Apply" below to email their resume with cover letter.

The Conservation Fund, a Non Profit Corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or practice in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.