Policy Strategist
Portland, OR
Chapter – Oregon Chapter /
Regular - Full Time /
On-site
Job Title: Policy Strategist
Department: Oregon Chapter
Location: Portland, Oregon
Reports To: Chapter Director
Supervises: None
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.
Scope: The Policy Strategist works alongside volunteer leadership to plan, organize, and implement the Oregon Chapter's statewide and local legislative priorities, conservation agenda, and political action. Collaboration with the volunteer leadership will include establishing an annual state legislative agenda, researching and analyzing conservation policies, and advocating for the Chapter’s priorities with elected officials and government agencies. The Policy Strategist will also coordinate with relevant Sierra Club chapter and national staff to inform state-level plans that move Oregon toward our climate, environmental, and justice goals. This position will represent the Sierra Club to government officials, state and local agencies, the media, business and community leaders, allies and other organizations, and the public.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Works alongside volunteer leaders to set organizational policy stances and a statewide legislative and political agenda; Monitors, studies, and researches proposed legislation at the state and local levels; Maintains a statewide awareness of conservation, legislative, and political issues and priorities.
- Recruits, trains, 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; Prepares and organizes members to participate in public comment sessions, get-out-the-vote field efforts, and advocating with their elected representatives.
- Advocates for Sierra Club priority policies at state and local agencies; Represents the Chapter by building relationships with and lobbying legislators and officials.
- Builds relationships and coordinates with community leaders, other organizations, and advocacy partners to align on strategy and rally support/opposition for bills, initiatives, or resolutions; Represents the Sierra Club in coalitions as appropriate.
- Collaborates with volunteers and staff to conduct candidate recruitment, endorsements, and election campaign activities; Assists with ensuring compliance with Sierra Club policy and federal and state laws related to the Chapter’s electoral and political activity.
- Participates in the development of educational, informational, and communications materials in regard to the Sierra Club’s legislative and political efforts.
- Assists in fundraising for the Chapter’s conservation, political, and legislative programs.
- Integrates and upholds the Sierra Club’s values of equity, inclusion, and justice in all campaign strategies and plans.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and experience and competencies:
- 3 years’ experience in the environmental field that includes working within the political process, managing organizational relationships, and public speaking
- Prior experience and effectiveness in lobbying and election campaigns
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Clear understanding and knowledge of state and local legislative and political processes
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and balance competing priorities
- Demonstrated experience training, mobilizing, and working with volunteers, especially related to community outreach strategies like canvassing, phone banking, and engaging with elected officials
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:
- Experience in fundraising for political activities
- Skill in media relations
- Experience leading a team of staff and/or volunteers
- Experience making use of Voter Action Network (VAN), Hustle, and Salesforce CRM to support advocacy campaigns
$78,000 - $85,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $78,000 - $85,000.
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.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, May 15th, 2024.
