Associate Organizer
Sacramento, CA
Chapter – Sierra Club California /
Regular - Full Time /
Hybrid
Job Title: Associate Organizer
Department: Sierra Club California Chapter
Location: Flexible within Northern California
Reports To: Chapter Organizing Manager
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. 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 inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. 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 includes staff across the country and a network of local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: The Sierra Club California Associate Organizer is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club California’s targeted campaign or program goals at local and state agencies and in the state legislature. One issue area of focus: improving water policy in California by reducing dependence on the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta and increasing local policies that protect that ecosystem. A major component in the campaign will be education and advocacy in Northern California to oppose construction of an expensive, environmentally harmful giant tunnel to divert water from the Delta.
With the support of the Chapter Organizing Manager, this position will identify and develop volunteers to take on the role of team leaders and build grassroots power and networks. They will identify and build alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers. Regularly works outside of the office and without direct supervision to communicate with officials and the public. Travels to relevant communities and locations as necessary to implement campaign plans.
Additionally, this role will support the chapter’s legislative organizing, working with the Chapter Associate Director and Organizing Manager to develop and implement the chapter’s legislative strategy to build grassroots power and secure key wins.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Campaign Organizer (~90%)
- Conservation campaign design and implementation. Working with other staff and volunteer leaders, develop and implement strategic campaign plans on assigned projects, including goals, outcomes, strategies, and specific tactics. Analyze agency plans and proposals, help develop Sierra Club positions and develop strategies and materials for public engagement that educate and engage large numbers of people in support of campaign goals. Hold community engagement events, including webinars, rallies, socials, and outings. Regularly track and report metrics.
- Partnership-building and coordination. Regularly communicate and coordinate with Sierra Club California’s existing partner organizations, including conservation and social justice groups, and help identify opportunities to expand our partner network to include more traditionally marginalized communities. Strengthen relationships to build power and advance goals based on shared values. Coordinate shared actions with partner groups to further chapter priorities.
- External representation and advocacy. Represent Sierra Club California to the public. Help develop and implement media strategies, including press releases, earned media, and social media.
- Grasstops cultivation. Develop relationships with influential local people and elected and appointed leaders at local and state levels, as appropriate.
- Organizational power building. Working with other staff and volunteer leaders, help achieve Sierra Club California’s shared power building plan to increase membership, recruit and engage volunteers, develop volunteer leaders, strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new partnerships.
- Legislative Organizer (~10%)
- California Chapter Legislative Organizing. Work with Chapter staff to implement the chapter's legislative organizing program. Conduct volunteer training and webinars for chapter in-district lobbying programs. Coordinate priority bill campaigns with policy staff.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following skills, experience, and capacities:
- Community organizing & teamwork. You have experience working with groups using democratic decision-making. You have worked with partners to achieve shared goals by building pressure on a decision-maker through an escalation of advocacy tactics. You are able to coordinate a fast-moving, dynamic campaign plan with multiple stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and decision-makers.
- Public speaking & facilitation. You are comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups and leading group discussions. You are able to clearly convey information and help everyone share their ideas while moving through an intentional agenda. You are able to motivate groups of people to take action for a cause.
- Communication. You demonstrate excellent written, editorial, and oral communication skills. You understand the components of a comprehensive communication strategy to support an advocacy campaign. You have written outreach pieces such as newsletters, action alerts, press releases, etc.
- Environmental and social justice analysis & practice. You understand how climate change, environmental degradation, and limited access to nature disproportionately impact communities of color, low-income communities, and other marginalized groups of people. You are interested in or have experience developing inclusive campaigns at the intersection of environmental action and social justice.
- Strong work ethic. You are effective and efficient working independently on your own as well as cooperatively with others to accomplish complex work projects, and can point to specific examples of your experience with each.
- 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 some or all of the following experience, skills and competencies:
- Working knowledge of database tools such as Salesforce, NPG VAN, Hustle
- Experience with local or state advocacy
- Familiarity with California water management and/or California legislative process
$65,000 - $65,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is $65,000, non-negotiable.
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.
This is a category 5, exempt, represented position.
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.
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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