Context: Directs, administers and coordinates activities to ensure the Sierra Club programs are in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations and reporting requirements regarding the use and application of 501 (c)(3), 501(c)(4), Voter Education (527) and PAC funds. Provides technical expertise in federal ethics and lobbying regulations.
Scope: The Senior Compliance Officer is responsible for creating curriculum, designing training materials and training volunteers and staff on compliance guidelines. Works closely with Director of Compliance to evaluate and monitor ongoing priorities and special projects for the compliance team. Works closely with Director of Compliance, Political Director and relevant program staff and experts regarding compliance issues. Provides compliance support and guidance to staff and volunteers as new programs are developed. Designs tracking and reporting processes to ensure regulatory reporting needs are met at the state level. Works with Political Compliance Officer and Sierra Club Political Team to design and implement training and guidelines. Serves as the Sierra Club’s expert on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations.
- Develops Sierra Club procedures and guidelines related to federal, state and local elections for use by staff and volunteers ensuring compliance with Sierra Club policies and related election law.
- Coordinates and reviews project plans and material for compliance with tax and election law. Works with Political Team, national campaigns, Advancement, Chapters and Organizing Staff to design and adjust organizational plans to ensure compliance with regulations and Sierra Club guidelines.
- Works with San Francisco reporting staff to develop schedules and plans to meet all regulatory reporting deadlines. As needed, files or supports the filing of state and local level regulatory registration reports for sites where National is working.
- Assists in the review and approval of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) materials to ensure proper use of funds.
- Maintains systems for tracking and updating state and local election law guidance and legal opinions.
- Provides expertise in federal lobbying and ethics regulations.
- Works with volunteer committee to develop Political Compliance Guidelines. Develops updates and prepares supplemental materials and guidelines as needed.
- Creates, designs, and delivers in coordination with Program staff and Director of Compliance training materials and conducts compliance training on Political, lobbying, and c3 and c4.
- Develops organization policies, processes, and procedures related to implementing election related programs in coordination with Operations Department.
- Performs outreach and trains state level activists on Sierra Club policies and assists them in creating compliant campaign plans. Supports Political Desk in answering questions.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as requested.
- 2-3 years experience in regulatory compliance
- Working knowledge of election law, FEC regulations, and federal ethics and lobbying regulations. Excellent knowledge of legal framework governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to design organizational processes and procedures.
- Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in preparing training and instructional materials and in conducting training programs.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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 4 exempt position.