Sustainable School District Research Intern
Description
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., focused on proving that better buildings equal better lives. USGBC established the LEED rating system to support this vision. LEED is the most widely used green building program in the world and is helping to transform buildings, communities, and cities around the world. Today, people know that if they are in a LEED certified building, they are using fewer natural resources, experiencing a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment, and removing some of the environmental burden from their community. USGBC focuses on our relevant and reimagined vision that Healthy people in healthy places equal a healthy economy.
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The Center for Green Schools is a global leader in advancing green schools and providing schools with what they need to create sustainable, healthy, resilient, and equitable learning environments. We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and wellness, prepare them for green careers, and support a thriving planet. Our mission is to support and train those implementing sustainability in school systems. www.centerforgreenschools.org
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INTERNSHIP DETAILS
The Sustainable School District Research Intern will be responsible for helping execute the Center’s semi-annual School District Leadership Profile Survey, including outreach to participants, data analysis and hosting phone interviews with participants. This position will also involve general assistance in the management of the Center’s professional leadership networks of school district sustainability and health staff. The intern will also provide support to additional high-priority team projects and events most importantly, the Green Schools Conference. The position requires entrepreneurship and active teamwork, and successful candidates will be able to work well both independently and in small teams.
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WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
School District Leadership Profile & Program Evaluation Survey
Every few years the Center conducts a survey for members of its School District Sustainability Leadership Network (SLN) to understand shifts in the profile and role of members who hold district-level sustainability positions, as well as to document program effectiveness in increasing network members’ capacity to lead change for sustainability in their school districts. The results inform continuous program improvement, demonstrate program value, and inform a broader audience of individuals interested in greening schools (policy makers, educators, community leaders). The intern will spend most of their time on this project, including the following tasks:
- Track survey responses and support targeted outreach to potential participants
- Set up and conduct 10-15 conference call interviews with survey participants
- Be responsible for analyzing interview transcripts and summarizing participant input
- Be responsible for working closely with the external program evaluator to analyze all survey responses, develop charts and graphics to effectively convey the information
- Document initial findings in a draft report in close partnership with the external program evaluator and the Center’s program lead
School District Staff Network Resources
The School Sustainability Leaders Network and the Indoor Air Quality Leadership Network (newly formed this year) offer activities and programs for network members, including an online platform for conversation and sharing, regular webcasts, an annual Fellowship program, and an annual leadership training. The Intern will support the needs of these two Networks, including these possible tasks:
- Build out the resource library of school district policies and procedures
- Recruit new members for our free professional networks by conducting research into school district sustainability and environmental health contacts from around the country
- Organize content for webcasts and other activities of the network
- Summarize district profile information for the ’22-’23 Fellowship cohorts
General Support for Green School Programs
- Support communications to Center for Green Schools stakeholders through articles, emails, and other outreach campaigns.
- Support the execution of and follow-up from virtual and in-person events, such as the Green Schools Conference (occurring late winter 2023) and other professional development for school staff
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To apply: Please email jobs@usgbc.org your resume and a letter of interest.
- The subject line of the email must include Last name, First name, Position (such as Jones, Sam, Sustainable School District Research Intern)
- Submit files as PDFs or Word documents
- Any attachments must be titled Last name, First name, document (such as, Jones_ Sam_Resume)
- No phone calls, please
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LOCATION REQUIREMENTS
The internship can be located remotely, but preference is for the intern to work from the Washington, D.C., office of USGBC.
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EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
REQUIRED: Undergraduate or graduate students whose studies and research interests include public policy, environmental science, environmental studies, green building, sustainability, sustainable business, or another relevant field. Relevant coursework in qualitative research methods to implement interviews and case study reports is particularly important.
STRONGLY PREFERRED: Students who have some experience with K-12 schools and/or school systems and sustainability action and implementation will be particularly well-suited for this position.
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EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should be currently enrolled in a college or university. At least three years of study at a college or university is preferred.
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OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong analytical skills, preferably experience with Qualtrics or similar survey tools
- Strong writing skills for reports and technical papers
- Confidence in communicating with various stakeholders via email and phone
- Excellent organizational and computer skills (MS Office)