Reporting to the California Director of Policy, the Outreach and Engagement Program Manager (OEM) acts as a key individual in building political power and advancing the National Audubon Society’s climate and conservation priorities in California. They will be responsible for organizing and mobilizing constituents in Audubon’s network (including reaching out to new constituencies and strengthening our current network of chapter members, partners, and volunteers) to help execute and win Audubon’s state-based policy campaigns, with a particular focus on climate goals.
The OEM is a highly energetic, adaptable, relationship-oriented, and a results-driven team player who effectively engages volunteers, partners and non-traditional allies towards policy outcomes. They will be responsible for a number of activities to include volunteer trainings, lobbying days, sign-on letters, opinion media, gathering signatures, regular statewide travel, and more. Additionally, the OEM works closely with Audubon’s state leadership and staff to bring the organization’s ambitious conservation focused strategic plan to life in communities from coast to coast, helping to contribute to the overall goal of becoming the most effective conservation network in America.
This person will be based in California, the specific location is open to the best candidate. Additionally, this role is grant-funded and anticipated to last three years, with the potential to continue pending funding and programmatic needs.
- Drive city and county-level implementation of Audubon’s statewide climate and conservation policy campaigns aligned with the organization’s strategic conservation goals;
- Manage issue campaigns that align with Audubon’s conservation goals, mobilizing the grassroots network toward increasing engagement;
- Provide advocacy trainings to engage constituents and empower volunteer leaders;
- Coordinate and staff a variety of organizing activities, from lobbying days to phone banking events;
- Work with volunteers and partners to raise the profile of Audubon’s work and mission in the community through presentations, earned media, and other outreach activities;
- Support strong connections between state and national programs with Audubon’s robust chapter network;
- Ensure chapter leaders are connected with chapter resources available from Audubon;
- Responsible for tracking contact, engagement, and other advocacy activity and outcomes on a weekly basis;
- Deliver input from volunteers and partners to Audubon leaders to help inform strategies;
- Establish and build positive working relationships with Audubon’s state leadership and employees and leverage local knowledge, relationships and expertise to help meet campaign objectives;
- Continuously look for ways to expand the organization’s community of supporters, volunteers, and partners through recruitment and partnership building aligned with long-term goals;
- Other responsibilities as appropriate and necessary to achieve campaign objectives.
- 5-7 years’ issue organizing experience, including volunteer management, leading community events and training required ideally working in roles with increasing responsibility and independent leadership;
- Experience in campaign leadership at any level: city, county, state, federal;
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate volunteers and partners essential;
- Experience working across difference and 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 projects simultaneously;
- Excellent time management skills, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and goals;
- 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;
- Tech-savvy, with proficiency in MS Office applications, campaign/advocacy tools (or a willingness to learn) and other online software;
- 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 necessary;
- Willingness to travel across California, as well as throughout Audubon network, including the possibility of some regional or national travel;
- Must have a flexible approach to work, including comfort working evenings and weekends as the job responsibilities demand;
- Strong commitment to resource conservation, climate solutions, and to the mission of the National Audubon Society.