Program Associate

About the Opportunity 

Start Date: September 1st, 2026

Length of Fellowship: 10 months

Location Type: Hybrid

Are you passionate about tackling climate challenges and driving sustainability solutions? As a Program Associate in the Climate Corps Fellowship program, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful sustainability initiatives with Ventura County Executive Office's Sustainability Division. This is a hybrid position with the expectation of onsite work 2-3 days per week, as well as periodic weekend events.

Under the direction of the site supervisor, the Climate Corps Fellow will support the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA) in advancing strategic planning efforts tied to the Regional Climate Action Plan. The Fellow will play a key role in VCREA’s rebranding initiative as the Joint Powers Authority expands its capacity to implement projects beyond traditional energy-focused work, strengthening the region’s overall climate resiliency. The Fellow will help manage communications across multiple platforms, including developing newsletters, email content, Google Forms, social media posts, presentation templates, and maintaining VCREA’s mailing list.

They will also contribute to climate‑related grant-funded projects such as public outreach for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the collection of data and resources for a GIS mapping application. In addition, they will assist with internal coordination of VCREA Board and partner meetings by reviewing agendas, managing communications, taking notes, and preparing meeting minutes. This position offers hands‑on experience in regional climate action, public agency collaboration, and community engagement, making it an exciting opportunity for a Fellow eager to build skills in sustainability and local government.

About Our Partner: County of Ventura - County Executive Office's Sustainability Division

The County Executive Office’s Sustainability Division leads local and regional initiatives focused on climate action and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Its mission centers on creating a more resilient, energy‑efficient, and environmentally responsible future for Ventura County and the broader tri‑county region.  To advance Ventura County’s Climate Action Plan, the division administers two key programs: the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN), a CPUC-funded partnership providing energy incentives, workforce training, and technical assistance across three counties; and the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance (VCREA), a Joint Powers Authority that serves as an energy efficiency resource hub for local public agencies, businesses, and residents.

Operating at the intersection of public service and climate innovation, the division offers a dynamic workplace where staff can directly contribute to meaningful, long-term environmental solutions and community resilience.

What You’ll Do

• Support VCREA’s rebranding initiative, including assisting with the development of a new logo, brand identity materials, and early‑stage website update concepts that help position the JPA for climate‑focused work beyond energy.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts that support implementation of the Regional Climate Action Plan, including research, stakeholder outreach, and development of draft planning materials.
• Maintain and update VCREA’s contact lists and help develop communications and outreach content, such as newsletters, email updates, Google Forms, social media posts, and presentation templates, to strengthen community engagement and expand awareness of regional climate initiatives.
• Participate in grant‑funded climate projects, including public outreach for electric vehicle charging station installations and the collection and organization of information for a GIS mapping application and a resource library.
• Assist in designing and coordinating community engagement activities, such as preparing materials for tabling, supporting event calendar planning, and helping facilitate climate‑focused outreach opportunities.
• Support the planning and facilitation of VCREA Board and partner meetings by reviewing agendas, preparing draft notes, and assembling meeting minutes for learning and documentation purposes.

What We Provide

• A fixed, monthly stipend of $4000.
• $1000 end-of-program financial award.​
• Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
• 10 Personal Days (for a standard 10-month Fellowship), in addition to all holidays off that are observed as closure days by the partner placement site.
• Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
• Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
• Professional networking and learning opportunities.
• The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in sustainability, public administration, environmental studies, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating with partners or stakeholders across agencies, organizations, or regional networks.
• Working knowledge of California climate action, sustainability, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, or related climate resiliency topics.
• Familiarity with digital communication tools such as Canva, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Google Forms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible messaging.
• Strong organizational and project‑coordination skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to engage effectively with community members, partners, and public‑sector staff.
• The ability to work onsite on a hybrid basis. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered.
• Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals.
• Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas).
• May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions.
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

Nice-to-haves

• Conversational fluency in Spanish.
• Background in community engagement, public outreach, or experience collaborating with local governments or public agencies.
• Understanding of climate mitigation and adaptation concepts, energy efficiency programs, building performance concepts, or electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Experience coordinating or supporting events, community tabling, or workshop facilitation.

We encourage everyone interested in this position to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We value all perspectives and believe that a unique background can bring significant strengths to this role, even if some qualifications are not fully met.

Climate Corps Fellowships are classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as temporary, educational internships that emphasize training and career development, and thus no employment relationship exists, nor is compensation required. However, while not considered traditional employment, Fellows receive a living stipend and professional development support throughout the program.

Recruiting Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early submissions, as we may stop accepting new applications once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is identified.