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Job Title: Associate Organizing Representative, Southwest Virginia
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Senior Organizing Manager
Context: Builds grassroots power in Southwest Virginia by leading the implementation of organizing campaigns that will increase the number of people involved, leaders trained, and engagement of people with influence to achieve the goals of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign.
Scope: The Associate Organizing Representative is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s work to end mountaintop removal mining in Southwest Virginia and immediate region. Identifies and develops volunteers to take on the role of team leaders and build grassroots power and networks. Identifies and builds alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers.
The Associate Organizing Representative coordinates a broad, volunteer based citizen education effort on mountaintop removal mining and related coal issues throughout the region. Collaborates in development of organizing campaign or program strategy and implementation, including developing strong grassroots networks. Works closely with relevant Climate Recovery Campaign team leads or Program leadership to assure organizing plans carries out campaign priorities.
Campaign: The Beyond Coal Campaign is a nationwide grassroots campaign eliminating coal's contribution to global warming no later than 2030 and replacing the existing coal plants with a clean energy economy fueled by clean and plentiful wind, solar, and geothermal. The Beyond Coal Campaign is working to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants, retire and replace the existing fleet of coal plants, and keep the U.S. coal reserves underground and out of world markets. The Beyond Coal Campaign is experiencing significant growth and is seeking passionate coal fighters to join our team. To learn more about our Campaign visit: http:beyondcoal.org
Job Activities:
1. Works independently or with staff to develop strong community-based teams and presence in Southwest Virginia on issues of mountaintop removal mining, associated issues, and environmental justice in the coalfields. Collaborates in developing organizing campaign or program strategies.
2. Coordinates the identification, recruitment, and organizing of volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups around our campaign to end MTR mining. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s diversity initiatives through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
- Engages people and develops volunteer leadership in both social and environmental advocacy activities that will create strong environmental communities and build power at the community, state, and national level.
- Develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies including on-line and face-to-face social networks to support Sierra Club causes.
- Maintains and develops new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values.
3. Represents Sierra Club to the public and in the media, including developing public education and media strategy.
4. Develops positive working relationships with existing coalitions on the issues of mountain top removal mining and related effects and environmental justice; works to build and sustain issue coalitions.
5. Identifies and develops volunteers who will take work as part of a team and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots power and networks. Helps those leaders succeed by training and coaching them how to strategize, organize, inspire and motivate.
6. Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club leaders, the public and others about the campaigns and priority issues. Provides support to other internal departments for campaign synergy:
- Communications Department in the implementation of media and public outreach communications.
- Environmental Law Program in advancing our litigation and administrative action to limit or end mountaintop removal and other destructive steep-slope mining.
- Advancement Department in the development of effective relationships with donors and foundations within or with an interest in the assigned communities.
- National Political Program to advance the Club’s conservation priorities through relationships with elected officials and via electoral campaigns
7. Develops grasstop networks and cultivates relationships with public officials. Lobbies public officials on issues of importance to Sierra Club.
8. Coordinates preparation of special reports and other publications and alerts.
9. Attends various issue committee and regional conservation meetings.
10. Coordinates and measures success of activities with manager and campaign leads to ensure progress towards the campaign's mission and goals.
11. Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.
Seasonal Activities:
Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.
Knowledge and Skills:
-- B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a closely related field.
-- 1 plus years’ experience in the environmental field that includes research and organizing campaigns, press relations and public speaking.
-- Good written and oral communication skills.
-- Prior experience and ability writing training and information materials.
-- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
-- Requires extensive travel.
-- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and John Muir Local.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 5 position.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
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