Limited Duration Great Lakes Regional Associate Organizer, Michigan Chapter

Job Title: Great Lakes Regional Associate Organizer

Department: Michigan Chapter

Reports to: Chapter Director

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 Associate 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 the threat of the Line 5 oil pipelines and protecting the Great Lakes.  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.

The Associate Organizer coordinates a broad, volunteer‑based citizen education effort on Great Lakes-related conservation issues throughout the region, with an emphasis on Line 5. Collaborates in the development of organizing campaign or program strategy and implementation, including developing strong grassroots networks.  Works closely with relevant volunteer team leads and staff to assure organizing plans carries out campaign priorities. 

Job Activities:

1. Works with lead volunteers and staff to develop 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.
2. Coordinates the identification, recruitment and organizing of volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s diversity initiatives through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
3. 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. 
4. Develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies including on-line and face-to-face social networks to support Sierra Club cause.
5. Maintains and develops new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values. 
6. Represents Sierra Club to the public and in the media, including developing public education and media strategy that includes online and earned media.
7. Develops positive working relationships with existing coalitions on campaign issues; works to build and sustain issue coalitions.
8. 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.
9. Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club staff, volunteer leaders, the public and others about the campaigns and priority issues. 
10. Develops grass top networks and cultivates relationships with public officials. Educates public officials on issues of importance to Sierra Club.
11. Coordinates preparation of special reports and other publications and alerts as needed.
12. Attends various issue committee and regional conservation meetings including the Oil and Water Don’t Mix Campaign, HOW Coalition and Sierra Club’s Bi-National Great Lakes Committee.         
13. Coordinates and measures success of activities with manager and campaign leads to ensure progress towards the campaign's mission and goals.
14. Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.

Seasonal Activities:

Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods.  Occasional weekend and/or evening work required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field.
• 1 plus years’ experience in the environmental field that includes research and organizing campaigns, press relations and public speaking.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Prior experience and ability writing training and information materials.
• Prior experience and knowledge of either the legislative or administrative process.
• 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.