New York City Mayor's Office on Climate Justice 
Office of Urban Agriculture

ILR High Road New York is a statewide program that aims to teach ILR students practical methods for civic engagement and leadership through economic justice, evidence-based policy, and strategic development that creates opportunity for community members to share in prosperity.  The Summer 2024 New York City (NYC) High Road Fellowship Program will run from June 3rd to July 26th. Students intern in person with various NYC partner organizations and will participate in weekly cohort workshops focused on critical reflection and peer-to-peer collaboration and networking and learning opportunities with guest speakers will be offered at ILR's NYC office on Lexington Avenue. All interns will be paid and need-based subsidized housing will be available. 

The Office of Urban Agriculture is an integral component of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. The Office of Urban Agriculture is responsible for developing and implementing climate-based urban agriculture and food system strategies in New York City.

The Office of Urban Agriculture leads the City’s efforts to increase access to and production of locally grown food, strengthen climate resiliency, and spur economic activity throughout the five boroughs. Through research, policy development, advocacy, and community outreach MOUA aims to address the climate, health, and food disparities in our natural and built environments. Through collaboration with other city agencies, MOUA advances urban agriculture on several fronts: environmental justice, gardens, urban farms, food equity, workforce development, and building a green, resilient economy.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Urban Agriculture, the Policy and Research Intern will support policy development, research, and communications for the Office of Urban Agriculture. The Policy and Research Intern will research, organize, and analyze information and data; produce visually engaging presentations and other related written content; and develop written presentations and other support external facing communications.  The ideal candidate has strong research, written, and communication skills; experience with graphic design skills and social media; and be knowledgeable has about agriculture, food, climate/environmental justice, and have experience collaborating with diverse communities and is eager to expand their knowledge and skillset fast paced innovative city office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Research: Conduct research and identify gaps in existing research in order to provide valuable insight 

• Data Collection and Analysis: Assist in data collection, organization, and analysis using relevant tools and software. Collaborate with team members to ensure data accuracy and integrity

• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of research including methodologies, datasets, and sources. Prepare reports and presentations to summarize findings as needed for the team

• Collaboration: Collaborate with team members to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to meetings, read Policy briefs, summarize and add content 

• Project Support: Provide general support to project and admin tasks such as writing briefs, compiling meeting notes, following up on team actions steps, and other related project needs

• Communications: provide content and support coordinating social media posts and other external communications