Context: Builds grassroots power, by leading the implementation of organizing campaigns that will increase the number of people involved, leaders trained, and engagement of people with influence to achieve Sierra Club conservation goals regarding the Great Lakes. Carries out organizing strategies and activities for assigned campaign or programs. Participates in the development of strategies and priorities.
Scope: The Great Lakes State Organizer is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of Sierra Club members, supporters and new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s organizing around a variety of issues impacting water quality and the environmental health of the Great Lakes State including PFAS contamination and the threat of the Line 5 oil pipelines as well as emerging issues. 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. Fosters a conversation about common Great Lakes issues among Sierra Club Chapters across the region.
The Great Lakes State Organizer coordinates a broad, volunteer‑based citizen education effort on Great Lakes-related conservation issues throughout the region, with an emphasis on PFAS, Line 5, and building a regional conversation among Sierra Club chapters in the Great Lakes region. Collaborates in the development of organizing campaign or program strategy and implementation, including developing strong grassroots networks and coalitions with ally organizations. Works closely with the volunteer Great Lakes Committee and Chapter/national staff to assure organizing plans carries out campaign priorities.
- Assists Chapter in developing and executing a grassroots educational and advocacy campaign to address the growing PFAS contamination issue in Michigan.
- Works with lead volunteers and staff to maintain strong Sierra Club presence in the region on the Oil and Water Don’t Mix campaign to eliminate the threat of Line 5 oil pipelines and other Great Lakes issues. Collaborates in developing organizing campaign or program strategies.
- Researches emerging issues and helps Chapter develop appropriate response and plan of action consistent with Chapter strategic priorities.
- Helps establish a structure and process for building a dialogue and fostering regular communication between regional Sierra Club chapters about common Great Lakes issues and approaches.
- Coordinates the identification, recruitment and organizing of volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s diversity and gender equity 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 regional level.
- Develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies including on-line and face-to-face social networks to support Sierra Club cause.
- Maintains and develops partnerships with allies on our issues and affinity groups who share common goals and values. Develops positive working relationships with existing coalitions on campaign issues; works to build and sustain issue coalitions.
- Represents Sierra Club to the public and in the media, including developing public education and media strategy that includes online and earned media. Organizes press conferences as needed. Writes articles for the Chapter’s online and print publications.
- Supports Sierra Club’s Great Lakes Committee of volunteers and identifies and develops activists who will participate and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots power and networks and expand the Chapter’s ability to address Great Lakes regional issues. Helps those leaders succeed by training and coaching them how to strategize, organize, inspire and motivate.
- Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club staff, volunteer leaders, the public and others about the campaigns and priority issues. Develop materials and informational handouts to support grassroots engagement on Great Lakes issues campaigns including PFAS.
- Develops grass top networks and cultivates relationships with public officials. Educates public officials on issues of importance to Sierra Club. Supports Legislative Director in organizing Chapter Lobby Days focusing on Great Lakes issues and development of related materials.
- Participates in various issue committee and regional conservation meetings as needed including the Oil and Water Don’t Mix Campaign, HOW Coalition and Sierra Club’s Bi-National Great Lakes Committee.
- Coordinates and measures success of activities with manager and campaign leads to ensure progress towards the campaign's mission and goals.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.
- 1 plus years’ experience in the environmental field that includes research and organizing campaigns, press relations and public speaking.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Prior experience and ability in writing training and information materials.
- Prior experience and knowledge of the legislative or administrative process and policy development.
- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
- Familiarity with the use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms for advocacy
- Experience in all aspects of earned media, including writing press releases, making pitch calls to news outlets, designing effective media actions
- Requires extensive travel within Michigan.
- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.
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.