Civic Engagement Specialist - Full Time

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

 

The Wilderness Society (TWS), a national conservation nonprofit organization, is seeking a Civic Engagement Specialist to work under general supervision within its Los Angeles County office to coordinate a leadership development program that trains and supports a diverse network of volunteer leaders and to conduct outreach to a variety of stakeholders in support of permanent protections for the San Gabriel Mountains and watershed. 

This position is located in our Los Angeles, CA office. No relocation assistance will be provided. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy (Leadership Academy), an experiential advocacy training program with two six-month cohorts annually.
• Coordinate Leadership Academy participant recruitment efforts, evaluate applications and select 12 -16 volunteer leaders per cohort.
• Invite and collaborate with guest instructors from area nonprofits for each of the sessions of the Leadership Academy (meets every other week).
• Ensure the success of Leadership Academy participants by providing continuity between sessions, leading sessions, conducting individual meetings, and facilitating the relationships between volunteers, mentors and partnering organizations.
• Guide the development and implementation of community projects devised and led by Academy participants.  
• In coordination with senior staff, assess Academy participants’ development of grassroots advocacy skills and implement changes to improve the program as necessary.
• Support continued engagement of volunteer leaders after completion of the Leadership Academy.
• Identify and build diverse public and community support for administrative and legislative conservation efforts.
• Gain support for TWS’ conservation objectives through meetings, presentations, public events, phone calls, email and other communications with local, regional and statewide constituency groups (such as conservation, environmental justice, health, and recreation organizations); academic institutions; elected officials; and others.
• Serve as a spokesperson for TWS on San Gabriel and civic engagement issues as appropriate with media, through speaking engagements, in coalition meetings, at conferences, and other avenues
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

• Experience, Competencies and Education
• At least three to five years of experience with volunteer coordination and/or organizing for an advocacy or political campaign.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, ethnic studies, or environmental studies preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Ability to manage a wide array of ongoing programmatic and organizational demands.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate volunteers and hold individuals accountable to meeting goals in a timely manner.
• Experience working in a coalition setting, building relationships, and working collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• An understanding of urban open space, environmental justice, conservation and outdoor issues desired.
• Bilingual Spanish or Mandarin is a plus.