Conservation Organizer, Beyond Coal - Austin, TX

Description

Job Title: Conservation Organizer

Department: Conservation

Reports To: Field Organizing Manager 

Context: Builds public support to accomplish conservation campaign or program goals of increasing the number of volunteer supporters that turnout for events.  Recruits and trains volunteer leaders, and develops relationships with community leaders, other organizations and officials that can influence change.

Campaign: The Beyond Coal campaign is a nationwide grassroots effort to eliminate coal's contribution to global warming no later than 2030 and replace the existing coal infrastructure with a clean energy economy fueled by 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: www.beyondcoal.org.

Scope: The Organizer is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s targeted campaign or program goals.  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. Regularly works outside of the office and without direct supervision to communicate with officials, the media and the public. Travels to relevant communities and locations to implement campaign plans.

Job Activities:

1. Works independently or with staff to devise and recommend a plan and strategy  for a conservation campaign or program.
2. Identifies recruits and organizes volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups around assigned campaign or program. 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 to develop networks to support Sierra Club goals.
   • Maintains and develops new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values. 
3. Works with appropriate regional staff and volunteer entities to plan and implement visibility, media and community outreach events to generate public support with decision makers and in the media.
4. Identifies and is responsible for developing strong relationships with key people of influence including community leaders and public officials to influence positive campaign or program outcomes.
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 on how to strategize, organize, inspire and motivate.
6. Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club leaders, the public and others about the campaign or program and priority issues.  Provides support to other internal departments for campaign synergy by working with:
   • Communications Department in the implementation of media and public outreach communications.
   • 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. Coordinates and measures success of activities with manager and campaign or program leads to ensure progress towards the campaign's mission and goals.
8. Performs administrative and clerical duties as assigned by supervisor.
9. Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.

Knowledge & Skills:

-- 1 year experience working with volunteers in the environmental movement, political campaigns, or other, similar organizations to plan and implement grassroots campaigns.

-- Basic knowledge of current environmental issues affecting the assigned region.

-- Has current contacts or has the ability to develop contacts with environmental coalition partners in same key media market, or comparable background.

-- Excellent writing and editing skills.  Demonstrated skill in writing and producing newsletters.

-- Excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas and easily strike up conversation with diverse groups of people.

-- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in action-oriented office.

-- Ability to work independently, cooperatively and effectively with public, staff and volunteers. Strong ability to network, build trust, and build working relationships.

-- Able to travel as needed. Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.

-- Proficient computer skills including social networking sites, word processing, and database software.

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 6 exempt position.

Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

*If you are applying for more than one position with us, please attach your job-specific cover letters in the 'Attachments' section.