The Ecological Design Collective (EDC) is Hiring Two Graduate Student Fellows for the 2025–26 Academic Year

The Ecological Design Collective (EDC) is a non-profit initiative founded by Johns Hopkins University researchers and academic and community collaborators in Baltimore, with a growing network around the world. As a collaborative platform addressing ecological crises through democratic and inclusive design, the EDC emphasizes social, economic, and environmental justice. It brings together thinkers, artists, activists, designers, and community members to foster sustainable practices.

They are seeking two Graduate Student Fellows who are passionate about ecology, social justice, and alternative futures and have strong skills in organizing and managing collaborative initiatives. These positions are open to enrolled PhD students from any department at Johns Hopkins University.

Position Details

Each of the two Coordinator positions will run from July 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026. Coordinators will be compensated at a rate of $27.03 per hour for up to 10 hours per week, with holidays and vacation time in accordance with union stipulations.
Coordinators will support the day-to-day operations of the collective, with responsibilities including:

  • Curatorial Work: Participating in the curatorial work, organizing monthly meetings, and helping shape the collective’s direction.
  • Editer: Curating, editing, and designing content for a digital journal.
  • Facilitation: Organizing and developing virtual programming and events in Baltimore while promoting engagement on the collective’s online platform.
  • Communication: Managing email correspondence, social media engagement, bimonthly newsletters, event publicity, and networking.
  • Logistical Assistance: Planning, organizing, and publicizing both in-person and virtual events and regular gatherings.
  • Design: Creating images, posters, and promotional materials for programming.
    Applicant Qualifications
Applicant Qualifications

Required:

  • Strong communication skills, both written and visual.
  • Organizational competence, including attention to detail and structure.
  • Experience with Canva or other design tools.
  • Willingness to plan and facilitate events, gatherings, and community-building initiatives.
  • Interest in contributing to a collective, collaborative endeavor.
  • Commitment to building diverse relationships—across disciplines, beyond academia, and among faculty, students, professionals, and community members.

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with the EDC.
  • Ability to write for a non-academic audience.
  • Commitment to open-source digital alternatives to corporate communication platforms.
  • Interest in social and environmental work in Baltimore.
Application Process

Applicants should submit an application through Smile, including the following materials uploaded as a single PDF document:

  1. Cover Letter explaining why this position appeals to you and describing your qualifications.
  2. Current CV
  3. Writing Sample
  4. Design/Graphic Sample
  5. Name and Contact Information for a graduate mentor/advisor who can provide a letter of recommendation.

A selection committee of EDC curators, including Anthropology Professor Anand Pandian, will review applications. Interviews will be conducted before final selections are made.

Application Deadline: The review of applications will begin on Monday, March 31, 2025. Please apply by this date for full consideration.

For any questions about the position, please contact Professor Anand Pandian at [email protected].