Policy Fellow

Brightline Defense is an environmental justice (EJ) non-profit that works to promote sustainability in low-income communities and communities of color. Our EJ campaigns often focus on renewable energy, air quality, and local hiring policies.

During Fall 2026, Brightline’s Policy Fellow(s) will engage in a wide range of policy research and advocacy at the local, regional, and state levels. Brightline engages policy makers and administrative law stakeholders at various levels of government, including the City and County of San Francisco, State Agencies, and the California Legislature. While conducting policy research, policy fellows will also further develop public speaking and community organizing skills.

The following qualifications are ideal for Brightline’s Policy Fellow: 

• Interest in Brightline’s policy and programmatic work including the equitable development of clean energy in California, building decarbonization projects, and air quality monitoring. 
• Commitment to socioeconomic justice within the environmental movement. - Capacity and desire to work with diverse communities and neighborhoods in San Francisco. 
• Demonstrated experience in writing succinct research projects. 
• Documented success in completing self-directed research projects
• Excitement and capacity to grow in research, writing, and revision skills to support Brightline publications such as policy memoranda and policy reports. 
• Ability to take precise notes and communicate learnings. 

Policy Fellows are highly encouraged to apply for and leverage additional external funding from their academic institutions. If applicable, applicants should include in their cover letter funding information as well as deadlines to secure potential funding. Fellows who do not receive funding or academic credit will be directly resourced by Brightline with a monthly stipend minimum of $1,500, not to exceed $3,500 for 2.5 months.

Fall Policy Fellows are expected to spend 8-12 hours a week through hybrid work: at least 1 half day in-person. As such, Policy Fellows are expected to be able to commute to downtown San Francisco over the duration of the fellowship. The Fellowship is anticipated to start the week of September 14th and run through November, with exact dates to be coordinated with the hire.  

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and priority will be given to applications from 3rd and 4th year students. The deadline for applications is Thursday August 15th. Please submit your application (consisting of cover letter, resume, short writing sample (preferably in policy or social sciences, no more than five (5) pages), and list of three (3) references) via Airtable form. If you have any questions or run into difficulties, you may contact: astrid@brightlinedefense.org.