Apply to Saving the Sea

Help shape the future of ocean and environmental policy.

Join Saving the Sea and become part of a passionate, student-led team committed to driving policy change and protecting our oceans. Our team works across local, state, and federal levels to advance sustainability through innovative research, legislative drafting, and public engagement. Explore our open positions below and discover how you can contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

Why Join Us?

  • Build your skills in research, public speaking, and community engagement
  • Network with environmental professionals and fellow advocates nationwide
  • Develop published research and a meaningful portfolio of advocacy work

Application Process

1

Submit your application using the form linked in one of the open position cards below.

2

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with our leadership team.

3

Successful candidates receive onboarding instructions and are placed on their respective team.

Open Positions

Select a role to learn more and apply. Expand each card to view position details and qualifications.

Policy Branch

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts are the backbone of our advocacy efforts and serve within Saving the Sea's Policy Branch. Analysts work on one of three teams — Local, State, or Federal — depending on the level of policy they are interested in. In this role, you will conduct research, draft policy proposals, and collaborate on legislative initiatives to push for meaningful environmental change.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct thorough research on environmental issues and legislative opportunities
  • Draft policy briefs, bills, and reports tailored to local, state, or federal levels
  • Present policy proposals at town halls, city council meetings, and state hearings
  • Monitor legislative developments and report on progress
  • Collaborate with fellow analysts and policy directors to shape the advocacy strategy

Qualifications

  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Passion for environmental policy and advocacy
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Experience with public speaking or presenting is a plus
  • Must be a currently enrolled college or university student

Time Commitment: Flexible hours, with a minimum of 6 hours per week.

Applications Open May 2026
Operations Branch

Operations Roles

Our Operations Branch keeps Saving the Sea running and growing. These roles are just as essential to our mission as policy work. We recruit passionate people in finance & marketing and public engagement. Click a role below to learn more.

The Finance and Marketing Director serves within Saving the Sea's Operations Branch and is responsible for overseeing the organization's finances, funding efforts, and public brand presence. This role manages expenses, fundraising, and grant applications while also leading marketing initiatives that promote the organization's work and expand its reach.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee organizational finances, budgeting, and expenses
  • Apply for grants and funding opportunities to support Saving the Sea's initiatives
  • Manage donations and fundraising efforts
  • Develop and coordinate marketing campaigns and online outreach
  • Oversee advertising and promotional materials
  • Work to expand the organization's visibility and strengthen its brand

Qualifications

  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Interest in nonprofit management, fundraising, or marketing
  • Ability to manage financial information responsibly
  • Creativity in developing outreach and promotional strategies
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members
  • Must be a currently enrolled college or university student

Time Commitment: Flexible hours, with a minimum of 5 hours per week.

The Public Engagement Coordinator serves within Saving the Sea's Operations Branch and is responsible for coordinating the organization's external partnerships and outreach efforts. This role helps connect Saving the Sea with elected officials, organizations, and experts while managing programs that engage the broader community.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate partnerships and communication with other organizations and environmental groups
  • Work with elected officials and policy leaders to organize meetings and collaboration opportunities
  • Manage Saving the Sea's monthly guest speaker series
  • Oversee the organization's monthly newsletter distributed via email
  • Support outreach efforts that strengthen the organization's public presence and partnerships

Qualifications

  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Interest in public engagement, partnerships, and advocacy
  • Ability to coordinate events and manage outreach initiatives
  • Comfort communicating with external partners and stakeholders
  • Must be a currently enrolled college or university student

Time Commitment: Flexible hours, with a minimum of 5 hours per week.

Use your creative talents to visually represent our work and make our message resonate with a broader audience.

Responsibilities

  • Design social media graphics, infographics, and promotional materials
  • Create visual assets for reports and presentations
  • Maintain brand consistency across all visual content

Qualifications

  • Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Creativity and a strong visual aesthetic
  • Ability to work on tight deadlines and deliver high-quality designs
  • Must be a currently enrolled college or university student

Time Commitment: Approximately 2–4 hours per week, depending on project needs.

Apply Now →
Summer Fellowship

Emergent Fellows Program

The Emergent Fellows Program is a three-week fully virtual summer fellowship for high school students passionate about environmental policy, research, and advocacy. Fellows work directly with Saving the Sea's Executive Board and policy analysts to develop an original, publication-ready op-ed on an environmental issue of their choosing.

  • →June 16 – July 3, 2026
  • →Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays · 6–8 PM PST
  • →Fully virtual · Open to current high school students
  • →Application deadline: May 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Apply Now → Learn More →

Frequently Asked Questions

All positions at Saving the Sea are volunteer roles — there is no financial compensation. What you gain instead is something far more valuable: real, hands-on experience in environmental policy and advocacy, published research you can point to, a national network of like-minded advocates, and the knowledge that your work is contributing to tangible legislative change. Our alumni have gone on to careers in environmental law, public policy, government, and nonprofit leadership.
Saving the Sea is highly selective. In our most recent application cycle, we received 216 applications for just 20 available positions — an acceptance rate of under 10 percent. We look for students who demonstrate genuine passion for environmental advocacy, strong communication and research skills, and a clear commitment to the work. A compelling personal statement and demonstrated interest in the specific role you're applying to will make your application stand out.
Yes — Saving the Sea is a fully virtual organization. Our team members are enrolled at universities across the country, and all meetings, collaborations, and events are conducted online. This means you can participate from anywhere in the United States, and our flexible structure is designed to work around your academic schedule.
Saving the Sea is a year-long commitment — not a semester internship or short-term volunteer position. We invest deeply in the development of our members, and in return, we ask for sustained engagement over the full year. This allows you to see real policy work from start to finish, build lasting relationships with your teammates, and make a meaningful contribution to our ongoing initiatives. Members who complete a full year and wish to continue are welcome to renew.
No prior policy or advocacy experience is required. We welcome students at all stages of their education and from all academic backgrounds. What matters most is curiosity, a genuine passion for environmental issues, strong writing and communication skills, and the dedication to show up consistently and do meaningful work.
After the application window closes, our team reviews submissions on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for a virtual interview, typically within a few weeks of the deadline. All applicants will be notified of the outcome once decisions are finalized. We appreciate your patience during the review process.
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