About Friends of the Earth U.S.
What is Friends of the Earth U.S.?
Friends of the Earth "was founded in 1969 by environmentalist David Brower in San Francisco to create a more activist, politically strong environmental organization capable of taking on emerging global environmental threats." It calls itself "a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power", campaigning "at the nexus of environmental protection, economic, social, and racial justice". Its campaigns cover climate and energy justice, democracy, finance and economic systems, food and agriculture, forests and oceans, and it combines research, policy advocacy, public pressure and litigation: it counts more than 75 court cases won. It has "a base of more than 7 million members and activists across the United States", and it is a founding member of Friends of the Earth International, which links sister groups in more than 70 countries. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Where will I work?
Friends of the Earth has offices in Washington, D.C. and Oakland, California, but all four of its open roles in September 2026 were full-time remote positions in the US: a Major Gift Officer, a Senior Policy Advocate for global finance and food systems, an associate running the secretariat of the Stop Financing Factory Farming coalition, and a Vice President of Programs for Climate & Biodiversity. Some roles involve travel, and the gift officer role prefers candidates near Washington, D.C., New York City or the San Francisco Bay Area.
What is the Friends of the Earth team like?
President Erich Pica has led the organization since 2009, after serving as its director of domestic programs. Friends of the Earth describes "a dedicated core of staff, board members, members and volunteers that understand that championing a more healthy and just world requires pushing past our own comforts." Staff roles are represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), and job postings publish salary ranges: $82,000 to $86,000 for the senior policy advocate and $105,000 to $135,000 for the major gift officer, for example. It calls itself "a generous, people-first employer that invests in your growth and well-being", and it encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups.
Work-Life Balance
Friends of the Earth offers a "37.5-hour work week to support work-life balance". Time off starts at 25 vacation days in the first year, alongside 15 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays and 20 sick days. Summer Fridays cover "the last two Fridays in July and all Fridays in August", and the office closes for a winter break between December 24 and January 1. Parental leave and sabbatical options are offered too.
Perks and Benefits
- 25 vacation days from the first year, 15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- 20 sick days a year
- A 37.5-hour work week
- Summer Fridays: the last two Fridays in July and every Friday in August
- Winter break, with the office closed from December 24 to January 1
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision coverage (80% for eligible dependents)
- Disability and life insurance
- A Flexible Spending Account for healthcare and dependent care
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Parental leave and sabbatical options
- A professional development and IT stipend
- Education reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program