Through funding received from the William Penn Foundation, Audubon is hiring a field organizer to focus on mobilizing constituents to protect the Delaware River Watershed. The Field Organizer in Pennsylvania will work with the National Audubon policy staff based in D.C. and partners throughout the Delaware River Watershed to mobilize people and engage constituents to build federal, state, and regional support for the Delaware River Basin. Through education and outreach efforts, we aim to turn interested stakeholders into champions for the Delaware River Basin and build long-term public support for protecting the Basin. Dovetailing with the efforts of the existing coalition of organizations working in the watershed, through this project, the organizer will work with policy staff to educate key stakeholders about the benefits of Delaware River restoration funding, by: (1) mobilizing our broad network of chapters, members, and the general public to build federal support for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and; (2) creating a lasting grassroots constituency for the Basin to ensure its long-term support. The organizer will be a member of the Audubon Pennsylvania staff and report to its Deputy Director for Conservation and Engagement. He/she will work closely with other Audubon Pennsylvania staff, as well as other Audubon staff in New York and in D.C.
The Field Organizer will be highly energetic, adaptable, relationship-oriented, and a results-driven team player who engages volunteers and community organizations in action and advocacy, from events and volunteer days to recruitment drives and phone banking. The Field Organizer will also help train and build the capacity of volunteers and local leaders and serve as a vital link in bringing Audubon’s ambitious conservation-focused strategic plan to life in communities from coast to coast and in making Audubon the most effective conservation network in America.
This is a one-year, benefits eligible grant-funded position with the possibility of continuation. The Field Organizer will be remotely based and travel throughout the state, as needed.
- Develop and implement outreach plans and build capacity necessary to expand support for the Delaware River Basin Restoration program.
- Educate Audubon members and other segments of the public through programs and other activities about the value of the Delaware River Basin.
- Engage chapter leadership and Audubon members spanning the ideological spectrum in three states to develop a cohort of Delaware River Watershed Advocates. Working with partners, provide training workshops, communications materials and resources for community outreach.
- Support and help to implement strategic media plans that include earned media events, opinion-editorials, and letters to the editor, in coordination with the Coalition.
- Lead Audubon advocate groups in visits to key Members of Congress in their districts, including on-the-ground restoration site visits, and assist with planning for in drive-in events in Washington D.C. to visit key congressional offices, in coordination with the Coalition.
- Convene community awareness events in partnership with Audubon chapters and in coordination with the Coalition.
- Work with the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed to educate and activate local and state elected officials to support and bolster the efforts of federal elected officials, and engaging local and state elected officials on relevant policy, legislative and project opportunities related to the watershed.
- Expand network of Audubon supporters, volunteers, and partners through recruitment and partnership building
- 3+ years field organizing experience (e.g., managing volunteers, staffing community events, canvassing). An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Comfort with presenting and engaging in public speaking events also necessary.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate volunteers and partners essential.
- Experience working with diverse constituencies, including bipartisan coalitions and communities of color.
- A self-starter, one who is motivated, able to work in a decentralized work environment with minimal supervision, and juggle multiple project components simultaneously.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Strong problem solving skills, including ability to respond quickly and effectively to unforeseen challenges.
- Effective listening, probing, and assessment skills.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and goals.
- Proficiency with digital organizing tools (including CRMs and voter files), Microsoft Office, and social media.
- Spanish-language proficiency a plus.
- Willingness and ability to travel and work nonstandard hours, e.g., evenings and weekends; must be able to provide own local transportation.
- Strong commitment to conservation, watershed protection and the mission of the National Audubon Society.