Chapter Director

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Job Title: Chapter Director

Entity: Maryland Chapter

Reports To: Chapter chair

Context: The Chapter Director implements policies and programs adopted by the Chapter Executive Committee and manages the staff budget and oversees staff support for the following operational areas: conservation campaigns and legislative programs, fundraising, volunteer development and member services, budgeting and financial management, and media relations.

Scope: Carries out the policies, priorities and objectives of the Executive Committee for the assigned areas of chapter programs and operations. Responsible for managing staff and financial resources for the assigned areas.

Job Activities:

1. PLANNING: Assists the Executive Committee and Chapter Committees to develop the Chapter's short and long term strategic, programmatic and financial goals and objectives. With the Executive committee, the chapter director develops an annual plan and budget, and evaluates chapter performance.

2. CAMPAIGN PLANNING AND TRACKING: Ensures that campaign plans and goals exist, that campaign activities are tracked, and that goals are achieved or we adapt accordingly. Ensure that Sierra Club national priorities are reflected in our work.

3. LEGISLATIVE: In conjunction with the Chapter Legislative Chair and committee, designs effective legislative programs and initiatives that reflect the chapter’s goals and priorities, recruits supporters, and participates with the citizen activists who implement them. Tracks and works to increase the number of people taking action. Lobbies and represents the Chapter to elected officials, and builds the capacity of other leaders and spokespersons to do so as well.

4. MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS: Proactively plans and implements an effective public relations program, sees that the Chapter develops positive, regular contacts with the media to maximize the chapter's credibility and position on issues; ensures that the chapter web site is effective and current. Works to ensure that an adequate number of knowledgeable spokespersons are available to address the public and the media.

5. FUNDRAISING: Help write and track a multi-year fundraising plan, support a fundraising committee, see that grants, appeals and other fundraising progress in a timely and effective manner. Lead systematic cultivation of major donors. Responsible for meeting certain fundraising goals, as agreed with the fundraising committee.

6. OUTINGS: Ensure that the Chapter has an active outings program that supports our conservation objectives.

7. INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Ensures that we have and use information systems to monitor the effectiveness of programs, as well as the status of the budget. Responsible for reporting outcomes to the Chapter Chair/Supervisor and Executive committee.

8. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT: See that the Chapter recruits and motivates volunteers and facilitates opportunities for volunteers to increase the effectiveness of the chapter and groups.

9. OUTREACH AND COALITIONS: Sees that the Chapter and its leaders take part in meetings, task forces, and events that further planned goals. Tracks and works to increase the number of volunteer leaders. Builds strong relationships with all Maryland Chapter Sierra Club Groups, other groups, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc. Represents the Chapter when appropriate.

10. LEADERSHIP: Leads staff in assigned operational or program areas. Ensures Chapter is in compliance with Sierra Club¡¦s employment policies and practices. With the Chapter Conservation Chair, plans and coordinates the activities of the Conservation staff.

11. PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS: Writes and conducts staff performance appraisals using solicited input from Executive Committee members and/or others as appropriate, reviews with Chapter Chair/Supervisor and takes personnel actions as appropriate. Is reviewed annually (quarterly during the first year) by a designated body of the Executive Committee.

12. STAFF REPORTING: Reviews staff time reports and ensures that information is entered into out time-tracking system in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with Sierra Club policies.

13. PRESENCE AT MEETINGS: Physically present at all face-to-face meetings and on conference call for all EXCOM meetings.

14. EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS: Available as needed weekends and after hours to participate in key meetings with staff, volunteers, or others.

15. DRIVER’S LICENSE: Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required for local and statewide travel, as needed - occasional regional/national travel required.

16. COMPLIANCE: Ensure compliance with Sierra Club policies and legal requirements for use of Sierra Club resources among staff and supports volunteer leaders in ensuring compliance in the broader Sierra Club program. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws (local, state, and nation) pertaining to Chapter operations.

17. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills:

-- B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.

-- At least 5 years of experience in campaign planning, grassroots organizing, training and motivating volunteers, managing teams, and coalition building and lobbying.

-- Strong demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking ability, including experience interacting with reporters and representatives of the media.

-- Knowledge and background in multiple issue areas of the environmental field related to assigned programs and campaigns.

-- Prior experience and knowledge of the legislative process.

-- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness in recruiting and empowering volunteer leaders.

-- Fundraising experience with one or more of the following: direct mail campaigns, major donor campaigns, special events, grant writing.

-- Experience supervising other staff.

-- Experience creating and managing a budget.