Context: The National Distributed Organizing Representative works to recruit and engage parents and families around the country in grassroots campaigns for climate policy solutions. The person in this position builds grassroots power by leading the implementation of multiple distributed organizing campaigns across the country, led by grassroots leaders and advocates, increases the number of people involved and leaders trained in campaigns, and engages people with influence to achieve our environmental goals. Coordinates and oversees the distributed organizing plan for Climate Parents and incorporates Movement Building and justice principles into distributed organizing plans.
Scope: The National Distributed Organizing Representative will work with the campaign team and partners to develop a model of distributed grassroots organizing, based on movement building, justice and equity. They will partner with the Digital Strategies and other Sierra Club departments to (1) build a distributed grassroots network in support of the Sierra Club’s Climate Parents Program across the country, (2) develop and support teams of volunteers in targeted states, and (3) foster partnerships with diverse organizations and allies including clean energy advocacy groups, parents’ groups, PTA’s, climate justice groups, and youth groups.
- Coordinates actions and ensures the effective implementation of the organizing plan to identify, recruit and train Climate Parents/Sierra Club volunteers and people from allied groups to advance Climate Parents campaigns. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s justice, equity and inclusion initiatives through partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
- Develops organizing strategy, marshals resources, and organizes volunteer efforts, monitors and tracks expenses of organizing work in Climate Parents Program.
- Engages people and develops volunteer leadership networks of parents and families in climate and clean energy advocacy 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 building in- person and online networks to support Climate Parents as well as other Sierra Club campaigns.
- Maintains and develops new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values.
- Works closely with the Communications Department to advance a strategy and activities to obtain media coverage in local, regional and national media outlets. May represent Climate Parents and Sierra Club in the media; promotes volunteer media training and exposure.
- Works with volunteers to develop grasstop networks, cultivate relationships with public officials, and lobbies key influencers--including local and state public officials and Members of Congress-- on behalf of the Club on national, regional and local environmental priorities.
- Ensures information, research, and other assistance is distributed effectively to Climate Parents and Sierra Club leaders and the public about the campaigns and priority issues. Provides support to other internal departments for campaign synergies, including:
- Digital Strategies Department in the creation of online to offline arcs that build networks and leadership through a justice lens.
- Communications Department in the implementation of media and public outreach communications and development of movement building narratives.
- Advancement Department in the development of effective relationships with donors and foundations with an interest in our issues. May assist with the development of grant projects and proposals.
- Serves as an internal expert on Distributed Organizing. Coaches organizers and represents Sierra Club in regional coalitions and at regional events.
- Works with volunteer leaders to represent the Sierra Club in public forums through an effective public education and media strategy.
- Identifies and develops volunteers who will 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.
- Makes use of data and data systems for tracking and expanding campaign and volunteer engagement.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned. Fluctuations in workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Some weekend and/or evening work required.
- At least 3-5 years’ experience in grassroots organizing, training, and motivating volunteers, coalition building and lobbying.
- Strong demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking ability. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
- Excellent knowledge and background in a specific issue area of the environmental field related to assigned programs and campaigns.
- Prior experience and knowledge of either the legislative process or administrative processes.
- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
- Excellent project management, planning and data tracking skills.
- Ability to, and interest in, working with parents, grandparents, families and youth.
- Deep commitment to, and interest in, promoting equity and justice in campaign work.
- This role will require occasional travel, which could increase at times of high priority need.
- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.