Policy Advocate
APPLY HERE: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SIERRACLUB&cws=42&rid=2137
Job Title: Policy Advocate
Department: California Chapter
Location: Sacramento, California
Reports To: Associate Director, Sierra Club California
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 is comprised of staff across the country and a network of volunteer leaders and local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: The Sierra Club Policy Advocate develops and implements campaigns and initiatives focused on industrial policy and energy issues that Sierra Club California is engaged in at the legislature and regulatory agencies. This position will participate in planning policy efforts, develop and maintain government and political contacts, track regulations and legislation, make strategic recommendations to achieve decarbonization objectives, and engage in outreach to diverse communities and allies.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Tracks, monitors, analyzes, and evaluates regulations, laws, initiatives and new developments on environmental, energy, and industrial policy issues.
- Evaluates proposed legislation and regulations to determine possible effects to the environment and makes recommendations for strategic lobbying and legislative efforts.
- Advocates the Sierra Club position on proposed legislation and regulations; informs and communicates with elected officials, business leaders, governmental agencies, and other non-profit organizations.
- Confers with legislators and officials to influence the passage of bills or measures favorable to Sierra Club’s interests. Confers with regulatory agencies to influence administrative rules and regulations and other actions that are non-legislative in nature.
- Plans, develops and implements campaign strategies for assigned regulatory programs, especially on water issues, and legislative objectives and projects in accordance with the chapter policy.
- Works with staff and volunteer leaders to recruit, coordinate, and facilitate grassroots involvement in regulatory and legislative campaigns.
- Makes presentations to community, political, and governmental bodies regarding state environmental legislation and regulations.
- Contributes to and authors press releases, newsletters, flyers, social media, etc. to keep Sierra Club membership and the general public informed.
- Conducts research needed to achieve objectives of legislative and regulatory campaigns.
- Works closely with the Chapter Director, Communications Associate, and other staff to ensure that the message of Sierra Club is accurately and favorably represented to the media.
- Engages in outreach to diverse allies and communities to help develop a stronger base of support for Sierra Club California positions. Participates in key coalitions on behalf of Sierra Club California.
- Stays abreast of latest news, particularly in issue areas of responsibility.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated work experience that includes research, organizing campaigns, press relations, advocacy and public speaking.
- Highly developed communication skills, with a focus on communicating effectively across different groups of stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple important priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of effectiveness.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers, regulatory agencies, and public officials.
- Equity analysis, skills and practice. Awareness of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. Knowledgeable about racism and other forms of injustice in society. Analysis of why justice and equity are essential to environmental progress. Experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues and partners across diverse group identities.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills, and competencies:
- Experience analyzing and advocating for natural resource, environmental, and environmental justice policies.
- Experience building relationships and influencing decision-makers through lobbying or similar advocacy.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is $70,000.
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 5 exempt, represented position.
Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
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 Human Resources 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 diversity.
To Apply
This position does not have an undergraduate education requirement. If you choose to include your education history, please remove your schools from your resume. You may leave your degree (e.g., “B.A. Philosophy”), but please remove any undergraduate and graduate school names.
This anonymous process is aimed at opening this opportunity to more candidates, reviewing applicants on performance assessments and mitigating bias in the decision-making process.
Lastly, we are intentionally not asking for a cover letter, so please do not send one in with your application.
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