Context: The Legislative and Political Director plans, organizes, and implements the Chapters state and local legislative priorities, government relations and political priorities.
Scope: In cooperation with the volunteer leadership, plans and implements the chapter’s approved legislative and political program. Recruits, organizes and supports volunteer efforts, evaluates legislation, maintains government and political contacts, makes strategic recommendations related to legislation and to political endorsements.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Plans, coordinates and implements the Chapters legislative strategies as approved by the chapter leadership. Lobbies and represents the Chapter to elected officials when this is an assigned program area.
- Monitors, studies and researches proposed legislation to determine possible effects to the environment and makes appropriate recommendations.
- Confers with legislators and officials to emphasize weakness or merits of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, or amendment of measure, or introduction of legislation that defend and advance environmental protection.
- Prepares and presents testimony at appropriate legislative hearings.
- Contacts and meets with other individuals and groups having similar positions in order to rally support/opposition for bills, initiatives, laws, or resolutions.
- Plans and coordinates meetings between members and elected officials to discuss legislative issues and proposals and allow for officials to hear and consider member concerns.
- Plans, coordinates, supports and implements the Chapter’s political program as approved by the chapter leadership including candidate recruitment, endorsements, and conducting election campaign activities.
- Ensures compliance with Sierra Club policy and federal and state laws related to election activities including management and administration of the Chapter’s state Political Action Committee (PAC).
- Prepares press releases and communicates with the media to state the Sierra Clubs view on specific legislation and political matters including endorsements and campaign efforts.
- Participates in the development of educational/ informational materials in regard to Sierra Club’s legislative and political efforts.
- Assists in the formulation of grassroots campaign and coalition activities in support of legislation and political campaigns at the local, state and federal levels; represents the Sierra Club in coalitions as appropriate.
- Assists in fund raising for the Chapter’s political and legislative programs.
- Trains, informs, and motivates volunteers and other chapter staff to enable them to activate others in efforts to influence legislative and regulatory decisions and in the political process.
- Provides guidance and supervision of staff and temporary employees in assigned program areas.
- Monitors, and records voting patterns of elected officials regarding environmental legislation. Informs and educates the public as to the position taken by elected officials.
- Works on task forces and committees representing Sierra Club’s mission or objective.
- Supports compliance with all state and federal lobbying and political campaign laws and all reporting requirements.
- Works with Sierra Club staff and volunteers to develop a consistent, clear legislative and political message that is being communicated to the public.
- Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s commitment to equity, inclusion and justice through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Educational Background:
B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field
Skills/Experience:
- 3 years’ experience in the environmental field that includes working within the political process, press relations and public speaking
- Prior experience and effectiveness in lobbying and election campaigns
- Skill in developing a positive rapport with the media
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Clear understanding and knowledge of the legislative and political process
- Skill in making presentations to a diverse audience
- Strong analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers
Compensation/Benefits:
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.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 15 2019
Active Until:
Oct 15 2019
Hiring Organization:
Sierra Club
industry:
Nonprofit