Context: Plans and manages all national Sierra Club staff organizing work within assigned communities. Establishes organizing objectives for each community based on movement building, national campaign and program objectives. Coaches and develops staff organizers to build community involvement, effective volunteer leadership and strong community partnerships to win campaigns, program conservation victories, ensure equity and justice is incorporated into our work, empower communities and contribute to movement building.
Scope: The Organizing Manager is responsible for managing a team of organizers working to achieve all organizing objectives and for the effectiveness of the Club’s organizing and movement building activities within assigned communities. Works with organizing staff and volunteer leaders to determine and implement strategies to build towards transformational organizing, to build and deepen the number of supporters in the community, key partnerships with community leaders, government officials, donors and volunteer leadership to accomplish organizing objectives, win campaign goals, and contribute to the movement building within each community. Coaches and develops each staff organizer to maximize skills, ability and effectiveness. Acts as senior Club liaison with leaders of organizations within the communities. Ensures that programmatic commitments and objectives are met, that financial, operational and legal compliance standards are met regarding all activities in assigned communities. Works directly with other Program department staff, Digital Strategies and Communications Department staff to ensure we are utilizing the full strength of Sierra Club in all movement building and campaign work.
- Establishes community organizing priorities, and guides and coaches organizing team members to develop strategic organizing plans, objectives and outcomes within each community.
- Coaches Organizers on movement building and equity, to ensure that is at the center of the work.
- Provides leadership and direction in the development of key partnerships within each community. Builds cooperative relationships and coaches organizers on developing inclusive and equitable partnerships based on a shared vision and values.
- Effectively manages, guides and coaches staff, ensures individual professional development, establishes performance objectives and expectations, evaluates accomplishments and effectiveness. Takes appropriate disciplinary action when needed, makes hiring and termination recommendations.
- Supports the Communications Department in the development and execution of media, narrative and public outreach communications and strategies to enhance the Club’s visibility and recognition within the assigned communities.
- Responsible for good fiscal management, fiscal controls and administrative practices in all aspects of assigned operations. Ensures compliance with Club financial, employment and operations policies and with external regulations in all aspects of assigned operations.
- Ensures that local chapter and group volunteer efforts and capacity are effectively engaged in assigned community organizing activities. Provides guidance and support to volunteer leaders and chapter staff in building the strength, influence and partnerships of the Club within the communities. Supports the alignment between national conservation and chapter priorities.
- Supports the Advancement Department in the development of effective relationships with donors and foundations within or with an interest in the assigned communities, and in the development of organizing objectives and strategies as part of grant projects and proposals.
- In support of the National Political Program, identifies opportunities to advance the Club’s conservation priorities through relationships with elected officials and via electoral campaigns. Assists the National Political Program in allocating resources for targeted campaigns and in developing organizing strategies to reach political program objectives. Assures compliance with election laws and regulations.
- Use SC Data tools (Salesforce, NGPVAN) to monitor, evaluate and learn about our work. Provide feedback and reports to staff, volunteers and campaigns to evaluate progress on a regular basis.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Not less than 3 years experience leading community organizing campaigns
- Prior experience and/or demonstrated ability in developing, training and coaching employees
- Demonstrated ability to being proactive and flexible, able to strategically assess situations, shifting as needed with ease
- Responsive and able to nimbly move across campaigns as part of a collective success
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion including an understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender, and class
- A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles
- Experience bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and interests to accomplish a goal
- Commitment to work life balance for yourself and your teams: you will be managing Organizers in different communities, across campaigns and movements. An ability to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work life balance for you and staff you manage is critical to your work success.
- Competency in using data to measure goals and inform strategy (targeting, mapping, modeling, dashboards, key performance indicators).
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, GOOGLE, and NGP VAN.
- Working knowledge of business operations, budget management, restricted and grant funding.
- In depth knowledge of the craft of grassroots organizing, movement building and the political system.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in using the media; excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Prior experience in the development of grant proposals and individual donor relationships.
- Extensive travel required. 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. This is a category 4 exempt position.
Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) organization. Sierra Club does not sponsor H1B visas.