Context: Builds grassroots power, by leading the implementation of Sierra Club’s Building West Michigan Power Campaign to increase the number of people involved, leaders trained, and engagement of people with influence to achieve Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign (BCC) and Ready for 100 Campaign (100) goals in West Michigan. Carries out organizing strategies and activities for assigned campaign or programs. Participates in the development of strategies and priorities.
Scope: The West Michigan Clean Energy Organizer is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s BCC/100 campaign goals in the region. 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 West Michigan Clean Energy Organizer coordinates a broad, volunteer based citizen education effort on energy issues throughout the region. Collaborates in development of organizing campaign, strategy and implementation, including developing strong grassroots networks. Works closely with relevant BCC and 100 team leads and Chapter staff to assure organizing plans carries out campaign priorities.
- Works independently or with staff to develop strong Sierra Club committees and presence in the region on campaign or programs. Collaborates in developing organizing campaign or program strategies.
- Coordinates the identification, recruitment and organizing of volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups around priority campaign. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s equity, inclusion and justice 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 national 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 new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values.
- Forms and strengthens partnerships with organizations that reflect Sierra Club’s Equity values.
- Represents Sierra Club to the public and in the media, including developing public education and media strategy.
- Develops positive working relationships with existing coalitions on campaign issues; works to build and sustain issue coalitions.
- Identifies and develops volunteers who will take work as part of a team and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots power and networks 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 leaders, the public and others about the campaigns and priority issues. Provides support to the Chapter and national staff as needed.
- Develops grasstop networks and cultivates relationships with public officials Lobbies public officials on issues of importance to Sierra Club.
- Coordinates preparation of special reports and other publications and alerts.
- Attends various issue committee and regional conservation meetings.
- 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 organizing campaigns, community outreach, research, press relations and public speaking.
- Familiarity with issues of clean energy and fossil fuels in Michigan, especially West Michigan
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Prior experience and ability writing training and information materials.
- 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
- Prior experience and knowledge of either the legislative or administrative process.
- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
- Requires some occasional travel.
- 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.