Program Manager
Hamilton, NJ
Chapter – New Jersey Chapter /
Regular - Full Time /
On-site
Job Title: Chapter Energy Program Manager
Department: New Jersey Chapter
Location: Hamilton or remote location in New Jersey. This position requires an ability to travel.
Reports To: Chapter Director
Supervises: N/A
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
The New Jersey Chapter was organized in the 1970s. Our 14,000 members (and 60,000 total supporters) are led by an all-volunteer executive committee who drive the conservational, political, and organizational development of the Chapter as it seeks to reach the objectives of the Sierra Club mission. The New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club has a vibrant and experienced volunteer base. The Chapter comprises 12 regional Groups, several state-wide committees, and is a prominent environmental voice in New Jersey.
Scope: The Chapter Energy Program Manager develops and executes campaigns to transition to renewable energy and to electrify buildings and transportation in New Jersey. This position works with Chapter and national campaign staff and volunteers to support the successful development and implementation of state based plans. This role is designed to provide additional strategic capacity and leverage for the Beyond Coal, Building Electrification, and Clean Transportation for All campaigns, and works to ensure alignment and collaboration between the campaigns and the Chapter.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Coordinates development and implementation of strategic campaigns to move New Jersey to 100% renewable energy, working in collaboration with the New Jersey Chapter and Program staff, as well as volunteer leadership, partner organizations, and the public. Coordinates directly with Beyond Coal, Clean Transportation for All, and Building Electrification Campaigns to develop and execute state-level campaign plans. Ensures internal communication between Sierra Club entities working on energy-related efforts in New Jersey.
- Works independently and as part of a team to develop energy policy positions, implement policy strategy, and identify opportunities to move clean energy forward in New Jersey. Identify and develop solutions to legislative, regulatory, and local issues that have the potential to affect clean energy development in New Jersey.
- Informs community, political, and governmental bodies regarding chapter energy efforts. Develops communications to keep the Club membership and the general public informed.
- In coordination with the Chapter Communications and Outreach Coordinator, works closely with media representatives to ensure that the message of the Club is accurately represented by the media, and that the message is clear and consistent across the Chapter. May represent the Sierra Club in the media; promotes volunteer media exposure.
- Works on task forces, committees, etc. representing the Club's objective or mission as determined by the Chapter Director.
- Coordinates with the national staff and ensures that chapter energy strategies are in compliance with national requirements.
- Operationalizing Equity. You model effective equity analysis and practice and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of how group dynamics impact supervisory relationships, organizational culture, partnerships, campaigns and coalition work. Your decision-making is consistent, intentional, and committed to creating equitable outcomes at all levels. You have led high-performing and leaderful teams across group identities. You intervene when challenging group dynamics play out, in ways that build understanding, trust, and deeper self-awareness of team members.
- Works with the Chapter Director, Chapter Chair, Fundraising Chair, ExCom on fundraising for the chapter. This may include fundraiser mailings, grant writing, meeting with major donors and foundations, organizing fundraising activities, etc.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
- Experience working on energy policy. This position requires strong knowledge of energy issues in one or more of the following focus areas: power sector regulation, renewable energy and energy efficiency policy, and/or clean and equitable transportation policy. Ability to learn quickly and keep up to speed on new developments in these fields is very important.
- Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders is necessary. Successful applicants will have a proven track record of building relationships and managing towards specific outcomes in a complex system. Ability to effectively prioritize among multiple competing demands, and to focus attention of yourself and your team on what is most important.
- Skillful team player and collaborator. We want people who can participate on state, local or regional teams, setting goals and strategies across campaigns and capacities. This means knowing what they need to accomplish within campaigns or organizing work-plans, supporting the goals of other stakeholders, and staying flexible, open to doing things in new ways even if they are uncomfortable. We want people who can provide concrete examples of collaborative decision-making and joint strategy setting in their previous work.
- Effective communicator. Ability to convey complex information to decision makers and lay persons who may not have experience with the issue. Confidence in speaking with and working to persuade policymakers.
- Ability to be adaptable and innovative. A willingness to try new things, innovate, even fail at times. A commitment to learning and growth. Ability to inspire innovation across teams.
- Equity analysis and practice. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
- Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
- Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:
- Experience working with volunteers and volunteer-led teams.
- Strong meeting facilitation skills.
$70,000 - $78,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $78,000 annually.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Progressive Workers Union.
The Sierra Club offers a 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, represented position.
Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.
To Apply
The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.
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