Volunteer Educational Content Developer – Remote & Hybrid Role for Environmental Learning & Sustainability Initiatives
About Raw Earth Foundation – Cultivating a Greener Future
Raw Earth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Raven Petca in 2023, inspired by a life‑changing volunteering experience on an organic farm in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Witnessing the devastating impacts of climate change sparked a deep commitment to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and create sustainable green spaces across the United States. Today, the foundation is at the forefront of community‑driven environmental stewardship, leveraging education, grassroots activism, and strategic partnerships to turn the promise of a healthier planet into a daily reality.
Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to empower volunteers, ambassadors, donors, and the broader public with the knowledge and tools needed to nurture native ecosystems, practice regenerative agriculture, and champion climate‑positive actions. To achieve this, we rely on a passionate volunteer network and a small team of dedicated staff who bring expertise, creativity, and unwavering enthusiasm to every project.
Position Overview – Volunteer Educational Content Developer (Hybrid/Remote)
We are seeking a highly motivated and environmentally‑savvy Volunteer Educational Content Developer to design, create, and distribute compelling learning materials that support our mission. This role blends remote work flexibility with occasional in‑person engagements (when feasible) and offers a unique platform to shape the educational voice of a growing sustainability movement.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science, education, or a related discipline, coupled with proven experience in digital publishing, instructional design, and community‑focused communication. While the position is unpaid, it provides valuable professional exposure, a robust network of eco‑leaders, and a suite of non‑monetary recognitions that can enhance your résumé and personal brand.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Day‑to‑Day
- Develop comprehensive e‑books, manuals, and online courses covering topics such as sustainable land management, native plant identification, permaculture design, and foraging ethics.
- Design visually engaging pamphlets, infographics, and one‑page fact sheets that highlight upcoming initiatives, project milestones, and success stories for donors and community partners.
- Create and facilitate interactive workshops (both virtual and in‑person) that cater to diverse audiences—volunteers, ambassadors, corporate sponsors, and educational institutions.
- Collaborate closely with the Program Management, Communications, and Outreach teams to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and adherence to brand guidelines.
- Maintain a centralized library of all educational assets using our project management tools (Monday.com, Google Drive, etc.) to ensure version control and easy accessibility.
- Conduct research and fact‑checking to guarantee scientific accuracy and relevance of all content.
- Gather feedback from workshop participants and readers and iterate on materials to improve clarity, impact, and engagement.
- Assist with the promotion of educational resources through social media, newsletters, and partner channels, maximizing reach and community involvement.
Essential Qualifications – Who We’re Looking For
- U.S.‑based resident with reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.
- Ability to respond to emails, Slack messages, or other communication platforms within 24 hours.
- Detail‑oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and consistency in all deliverables.
- Excellent verbal communication and active‑listening skills, enabling effective collaboration across remote teams.
- Solid foundation in environmental science, ecology, sustainability, or a closely related field (degree or equivalent experience).
- Proficiency in digital publishing tools such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with e‑learning authoring software (e.g., Articulate Rise, Google Classroom, Moodle) is a strong plus.
- Experience using project management and time‑tracking tools (Monday PMS, Clockify, Asana, Trello, etc.).
- Self‑motivated, organized, and capable of juggling 5‑10 hours of volunteer work per month with flexibility for occasional in‑person events.
Preferred Qualifications – Nice‑to‑Have Extras
- Professional background in instructional design, curriculum development, or adult education.
- Previous volunteer or paid experience working for a nonprofit or environmental organization.
- Knowledge of grant writing or fundraising communications to support educational program development.
- Video production or basic audio editing skill set for creating multimedia learning assets.
- Fluency in a second language (Spanish, French, or indigenous languages) to broaden outreach potential.
Core Skills & Competencies – What Will Make You Successful
- Creative Storytelling: Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into relatable narratives that inspire action.
- Instructional Design: Understanding of learning objectives, Bloom’s taxonomy, and the development of assessment tools.
- Visual Design: Strong eye for layout, typography, color theory, and brand consistency.
- Technical Literacy: Comfort navigating cloud‑based collaboration platforms, file‑sharing services, and content‑management systems.
- Project Management: Capacity to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple concurrent deliverables.
- Collaboration & Feedback Orientation: Willingness to accept constructive criticism and incorporate stakeholder input.
- Passion for Sustainability: Genuine enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and community education.
Volunteer Structure – Hours, Flexibility, and Remote Collaboration
We recognize that volunteers balance many responsibilities. Consequently, the Educational Content Developer role is designed for 5‑10 hours per month, with the flexibility to schedule work at times that suit you best. Most tasks are fully remote, allowing you to contribute from any location within the United States. When local circumstances permit, occasional in‑person workshops or events may be organized, and volunteers are encouraged to participate if feasible.
Non‑Monetary Benefits & Recognition – Growing Your Portfolio While Giving Back
Although this is an unpaid position, Raw Earth Foundation offers a suite of meaningful perks that can enhance your professional profile and personal satisfaction:
- Resume Reference Letter: A formal endorsement highlighting your contributions, skills, and impact.
- Featured Spotlights: Inclusion in our website’s “Volunteer Heroes” section, as well as social‑media shout‑outs celebrating your work.
- LinkedIn Endorsements: Public recommendations from senior leadership and team members.
- Annual Recognition Awards: Eligibility for the Raw Earth Foundation Annual Volunteer Excellence Award and a Personalized Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) after completing at least 40 hours in the first year.
- Discounted Merchandise: Access to exclusive branded apparel and eco‑friendly gear at reduced prices.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to attend webinars, training sessions, and conferences related to environmental education and nonprofit management (often at no cost).
These benefits are awarded based on timely completion of assigned tasks and a minimum volunteer commitment of 40 hours during the first year of service.
Application Process – Simple, Transparent, and Timely
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online form and attach a résumé, portfolio samples (e‑books, lesson plans, digital designs), and a brief cover letter explaining your passion for environmental education.
- Credential Review: Our hiring team evaluates each submission against the essential criteria.
- Interview Invitation: Qualified candidates are contacted by an HR representative to schedule a virtual interview with senior leadership.
- Decision Timeline: Within seven business days after the interview, you will receive a status update or a formal offer.
- Volunteer Agreement & NDA: Upon acceptance, you will sign a Volunteer Agreement and a confidentiality agreement to protect organizational information.
- Onboarding Session: A comprehensive orientation covering our tech stack (Monday.com, Slack, Clockify), communication protocols, and workflow expectations. You will receive your first project brief within 48‑72 hours of onboarding.
Why Join Raw Earth Foundation? – Impact, Community, and Growth
Choosing to volunteer with Raw Earth Foundation means becoming part of a vibrant, mission‑driven community that values creativity, collaboration, and tangible environmental impact. As an Educational Content Developer, you will:
- Play a pivotal role in shaping how thousands of people learn about sustainability, thereby influencing real‑world ecological practices.
- Expand your professional network by connecting with scientists, educators, fundraisers, and grassroots activists.
- Build a robust portfolio of publicly visible educational resources that showcase your expertise to future employers or academic institutions.
- Gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge digital publishing tools and instructional design methodologies.
- Contribute to a cause that directly addresses climate change, biodiversity loss, and community resilience.
Compensation & Perks – A Holistic Volunteer Experience
While this position is volunteer‑based and does not include a monetary salary, the comprehensive suite of acknowledgments, professional references, and skill‑building opportunities constitutes a valuable compensation package that aligns with the mission‑centric values of the nonprofit sector.
Ready to Inspire Change? – Take the Next Step
If you are a creative storyteller with a passion for environmental education and a desire to make a lasting impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers. Your expertise will help empower communities, nurture curiosity, and drive sustainable action across the nation.
Apply today and become a catalyst for greener, more resilient futures.
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