Climate Organizing Representative

Job Title: Climate Organizing Representative

Department: Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

Location: New Mexico, 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 Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter priorities are creating inclusive and equitable solutions to the climate crisis, preserving clean drinking water, defending wildlands and wildlife, and preventing a proposal to transport high-level radioactive waste from the nation's nuclear plants to southeastern New Mexico. We seek to build a just and thriving New Mexico by fostering sustainable economic opportunities, connecting people to the outdoors, providing after-school climate and science education for kids, and training the public in effective civic advocacy.

Scope: Works with the Chapter Director, related chapter staff and volunteers, community members, coalition and frontline partners to plan, organize and implement the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter’s Climate Solutions and Just Transition Campaign in New Mexico and West Texas. Carries out a series of public engagement tactics and events in key districts to build support for climate solutions and just transition policy. Works to develop an active base of public support, a strong grassroots network and a strategic coalition to support climate solutions and just transition campaigns. Identifies and develops volunteers to become volunteer leaders and build grassroots power and networks. Identifies and builds alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers. Prioritizes working alongside coalition partners and underserved or historically underrepresented communities.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

Seasonal Activities:

• Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• At least 3 years of experience in grassroots organizing, training, and motivating volunteers, coalition building and lobbying.
• Excellent event planning skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Prior experience and ability in writing training and information materials.
• Prior experience and knowledge of either the legislative or administrative processes.
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with diverse communities, organizational partners, grassroots leaders and volunteers.
• Requires some travel and occasional nights and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required. Background check will be required upon job acceptance.
• Equity Must Have: 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.
• Equity Must Have: 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 skills, experience and competencies:

• Issue or electoral campaign leadership experience.
• Experience with climate solutions and just transition campaigns.
• Experience with administrative and legislative lobbying.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $62,000-$65,000.

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 or Sierra Employee Alliance, depending on location.

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.