Campaign Organizer (temporary)

Job Title: Campaign Organizer (Temporary) Department: Illinois Chapter Location: Positions based throughout Illinois with some local travel required. Applicants must be available for regular in-person work within Illinois.  Reports To:  Organizing Director Duration: 3 months (Approximately 37.5 hours per week) Number of Openings: 8 

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 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 Organizer is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further Sierra Club’s targeted campaign goals.  The Organizer identifies and develops volunteers to take on the role of team leaders and build grassroots power and networks, and identifies and builds alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers. The Organizer regularly works outside of the office and without direct supervision to communicate with officials, the media and the public, and must be able to travel to relevant communities and locations to implement campaign plans.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

• Works independently or with staff to devise and recommend a plan and strategy for a conservation campaign.
• Identifies, recruits and organizes volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups around assigned campaign or program.  Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s diversity initiatives through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
• Engages people and develops volunteer leadership in both social and environmental advocacy activities that will create strong environmental communities and build power at the community, state, and national level.
• Develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies including on-line and face-to-face to develop networks to support Sierra Club goals.
• Maintains and develops new partnerships with affinity groups who share many common goals and values.
• Works with appropriate staff and volunteer entities to plan and implement visibility, media and community outreach events to generate public support with decision makers and in the media.
• Identifies and is responsible for developing strong relationships with key people of influence including community leaders and public officials to influence positive campaign or program outcomes.
• Identifies and develops volunteers who will take work as part of a team and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots power and networks.  Helps those leaders succeed by training and coaching them on how to strategize, organize, inspire and motivate.
• Coordinates and measures success of activities with manager and campaign or program leads to ensure progress towards the campaign's mission and goals.
• Heavier workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Intermittent weekend and/or evening work will be required.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

• Excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas and easily strike up conversation with diverse groups of people. Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for persuasive communication with individuals on a daily basis, including door-to-door, phone, and text contacts.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in action-oriented office.
• Ability to work independently, cooperatively and effectively with public, staff and volunteers. Strong ability to network, build trust and working relationships.
• Able to travel as needed. Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.
• Proficient computer skills including social networking sites, word processing, and database software.
• 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:

• 1 year of experience working with volunteers in the environmental movement, political campaigns, or other, similar organizations to plan and implement grassroots campaigns.
• Has current contacts or has the ability to develop contacts with environmental coalition partners in the same key media market, or comparable background. Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated skill in writing and producing newsletters.