Plastics & Petrochemicals Fellow

THE ORGANIZATION 

MISSION 

As You Sow seeks to promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies. 

VISION 

Our vision is a safe, just, and sustainable world in which protecting the environment and human rights is central to corporate decision-making. 

OVERVIEW 

As You Sow is a Berkeley-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992 that promotes corporate environmental and social responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies. We believe that the path to a safe, just, and sustainable world for all, can be achieved by compelling corporations to take greater responsibility for the impacts of their environmental, social, and governance policies and practices. We achieve this goal through direct engagement, shareholder advocacy, research, publishing scorecards, and other innovative and legal actions. 

COMMITMENT TO JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) 

As You Sow actively seeks to recruit and retain a diverse staff in all areas of operations. As You Sow will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Scientists and academics have stated that one of the most crucial roles investors can play in reducing global plastic pollution is to act to curb the planned expansion of plastic production. The Plastics & Petrochemicals Fellow will support and eventually lead dialogues in the plastics and petrochemicals initiative within As You Sow’s Plastics & Waste programs. This position involves research on, and engagement with, petrochemical sector companies on projected demand growth/reduction, transition away from virgin polymer use, and reduction in production of resins that become single use plastics. Major themes forming the basis for this initiative are highlighted in our recent publication Plastics: The Last Straw for Big Oil?  Examples of current corporate engagement can be found here and here.  Candidates residing in the San Francisco Bay Area are preferred, but willing to consider remotely situated applicants. 

Position type: 1.0 FTE, Full-time, exempt  

Schedule: One Year with Likelihood of Permanent Position 

Reports to: Senior Vice President 

Start date: Position will be open until filled 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Research and write reports, memos, briefs, blogs, and press releases on topics relating to fossil fuels, petrochemicals, plastics, and recycling (especially chemical recycling) from both a financial and sustainability lens. 

• Conduct research on industry practices, technologies, and company disclosures regarding future demand, the environmental impact of emissions, and transition to recycled polymer production.  
• Prepare for, participate in (and eventually lead) petrochemical company shareholder dialogues and negotiations. 
• Collaborate with faith-based investors and institutional investors working in this space and monitor NGOs and community group concerns.    
• Reach out to investor allies to encourage other investors to support this work. 
• Monitor media, analyst reports, online postings, academic journals, and other information sources. 

• Assist with shareholder resolution process, including research and writing of resolutions, proxy memos, and responses to company no-action requests.  
• Potential opportunities to speak at conferences and corporate annual meetings 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, economics, business, environmental science, other environmental or sustainability field; or equivalent experience. 

• Technical knowledge or experience in chemical- or energy-related industries and technologies strongly preferred. 
• Ability to review technical environmental reports including life cycle assessments and academic studies and interpret and convey conclusions for non-technical and investor audiences.  
• Prefer previous experience in ESG issue research. 
• Strong interpersonal engagement and communication skills. 
• Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills. 

• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as to take individual initiative. 
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with databases and online research. 
• Organizational and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail. 
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks. 
• Personal commitment to progressive social and environmental change. 

• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, and commitment to excellence.  

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM US 

• Salary: Negotiable depending upon experience.  
• Benefits: Healthcare, dental, vision insurance, Life, LTD, Voluntary Life, EAP, 401K, phone stipend, 18 holidays, 1 volunteer day, and 10 vacation days in first year of employment (15 vacation days each subsequent year).  

• A team with passion and fun  
• A low-ego, high-performance culture and flexible work environment 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB 

Please apply through our job site. Applications will be accepted until a great candidate is found. We thank all applicants for your interest. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 

As You Sow is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and is an equal opportunity employer. As You Sow makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. As You Sow does not unlawfully discriminate on the of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or any other basis protected by law. Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

For more information about As You Sow, go to: www.asyousow.org 

https://asyousow.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=46&source=aWQ9Mjg%3D