Context: Building and deepening Sierra Club’s work with worker organizations and labor unions is a top priority for the organization and essential in our strategy to build an intersectional movement capable of tackling climate change and creating a sustainable and equitable economy. The Director of Sierra Club’s Labor Program will work closely with the Director of Strategic Partnerships and other senior staff in developing and executing an overall strategy for our relationships and campaigns with worker organizations and labor unions as well as with economic justice partners. The Director will identify opportunities for deeper long term internal and external collaboration ensuring that the program reflects Sierra Club’s commitment to equity and justice.
The Director will also be responsible for continuing the internal education of Sierra Club staff and volunteers around issues related to worker organizations and labor unions in general, the challenges facing working people, the lack of access to collective bargaining and the need for a sound economic transition in order to create a more equitable and sustainable economy with a focus on low-income and communities of color.
Scope: The Program Director will work closely with the Environmental Justice and Community Partnerships Program as well as the Healthy Communities program, Federal policy team, Living Economy Program the Communications department, as well as Sierra Club Clean Energy for All (CEFA) campaigns, chapter staff and volunteers to design international, national, regional and localized strategies and campaigns to constructively engage the labor community.
The Program Director has overall program responsibility, and provides experienced leadership and strategic planning, for the Sierra Club’s work with worker organizations and labor unions. Manages and monitors expenses, assigns priorities and timetables, plans and develops strategies, evaluates campaign/ program effectiveness. Represents the Sierra Club to labor unions and external allies, government officials, the media and other organizations.
Program supervision responsibility includes supervising employee performance, developing/managing campaign activities, developing fundraising proposals, raising funds, and overseeing program budget. Acts as a senior advisor to staff colleagues and volunteers.
- Directs the Sierra Club’s overall work with worker organizations, labor unions, economic justice partners and the BlueGreen Alliance. Works with national staff and volunteers to develop the campaign plan, oversee implementation of the plan, coordinate fundraising efforts and oversee program budget and expenses.
- Serves as key point person within the Sierra Club on issues impacting worker organizations, labor unions, affinity groups and economic justice partners and is a strategic advisor within the Sierra Club on communicating these priorities.
- Seeks opportunities to develop strategic campaign activities with worker organizations, labor unions and economic justice partners on joint priorities and works across the Sierra Club to develop effective planning and execution of these priorities.
- Coordinates internal training, communication and strategies to successfully execute and expand the campaign goals and to ensure effective communication/coordination across the organization on economic justice issues.
- Directs the development and preparation of campaign issues information. This may include the writing, editing and distribution of fact sheets, newsletters, political and educational materials. It may also include the writing, editing and reviewing of articles for conservation related publications.
- Works to develop and insure that volunteers assume meaningful roles in the program/campaign.
- Plans and develops projects for grant funding, handles personal contacts, solicitation and ongoing relationships with specific foundations involved with the projects.
- In cooperation with the major gift fundraising staff, participates in major donor personal solicitation and cultivation, and foundation solicitation and relations.
- Represents the Sierra Club to the general public.
- Supports and provides senior level professional, strategic and tactical expertise to staff and volunteers.
- Develops relationships with elected public officials and their staffs. Develops and conducts lobby campaigns associated with the assigned national program and strategic partners that is in alignment with the Jemez Principles in order to take delivery on the Justice Indicators .
- Introduces creative and intersectional ideas and approaches for consideration.
- Expert knowledge with the specific program field. Experience in working with worker organizations, labor unions and economic justice issues.
- 5 plus years’ experience as a Washington D.C. representative, or in a comparable position in another organization which includes substantial experience planning and managing a national level legislative campaign, including strategy, coalition building, organizing, lobbying , media, fundraising, program/employee management, budget planning and management, and work with senior level elected officials and staff from outside organizations.
- Strong understanding of issues affecting worker organizations, labor unions and working families in the United States and internationally.
- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.
- Substantial experience in the strategic planning and direction of campaigns and programs.
- Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and media presentation ability.
- Prior experience in fundraising that includes foundation relations, individual solicitation of major gifts, and grant funded project development and oversight.
- Substantial experience, demonstrated skill and ability, in national media relations. Includes effective television and radio presence, knowledge of media technologies including video, radio and print production processes.
- Expert lobbying and networking ability.
- Substantial experience and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.