Job Title: Alabama Chapter Director
Chapter: Alabama Chapter
Reports To: Southeast Deputy Director, Beyond Coal
Location: Montgomery, AL
Context: Implements policies and programs adopted by the Chapter Executive Committee, including Beyond Coal Campaign Priorities. Manages the staff budget and operations of more than one of the following operational areas: conservation and legislative program, fundraising, volunteer development and member services, budgeting and financial management, and media relations
Scope: The Chapter Director is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of the Beyond Coal and Alabama Chapter’s priority campaign strategies and activities in Alabama. Collaborates with and coordinates campaign activities with national Sierra Club, the Alabama Chapter, volunteers and appropriate staffing resources. Develops strategies, implements state-level work plans, communicates priorities and benchmarks, provides leadership, promotes participation and reports on campaign effectiveness. Represents the Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, donors, allies and other organizations, and the public.
Job Activities:
- Plan and carry out activities for the Beyond Coal campaign and Alabama Chapter Priority Campaigns. Facilitate the development of strategic campaign plans, goals and objectives for Alabama. Implement the state level aspects of a strategic campaign. Collaborate with Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program, Communications Department, Organizing and Digital Organizing Capacities, Political Team, Sierra Student Coalition, Sierra Club programs -- including but not limited to Environmental Justice, Labor, Partnerships, and chapter volunteer leadership to ensure the execution of an Alabama-based campaign to retire Alabama Power’s remaining fossil fuel power plants and improve the state’s renewable energy assets and energy efficiency programs.
- Plan and implement effective fundraising strategies that reflect Chapter needs and priorities, working closely with Executive Committee Fundraising Committee and other volunteers. Fundraising is anticipated to comprise roughly 50% of the Chapter Director’s time, with the rest primarily split between administrative duties and programmatic work.
- Develop an annual budget with input from Chapter Treasurer, committees, and others. Ensure good management of the Chapter’s resources and timely reporting to the Executive Committee and national Sierra Club.
- Organize events around the state to grow and strengthen the chapter’s membership, contributing to networking and enhancing membership giving.
- Provide professional expertise, guide and support staff and volunteers. Provide training and motivation to staff and volunteers.
- Work to develop volunteers and leaders, and ensure that they assume meaningful roles in the program/campaign.
- In conjunction with chapter Executive Committee leaders, develop and update the chapter’s strategic objectives and plans to reach those goals.
- Work with appropriate staff, lead volunteers, committees and campaign teams to develop, track and update campaign plans with concrete goals, strategies and short term action plans.
- Guide organization on budget, staffing, and contracting needs to advance its conservation goals.
- Lobby on legislative priorities in Montgomery, and support local issues as appropriate. Support litigation and executive branch advocacy as needed.
- Coordinate media outreach activities related to campaigns/programs. Serve as Sierra Club spokesperson to media outlets and promote media exposure for volunteers.
- Write, edit, and review educational and advocacy materials.
- Represent the Sierra Club to the general public and to strategic allies.
- Assist with donor communications, cultivation and solicitation in collaboration with chapter executive committee fundraising volunteers and national advancement staff, as appropriate.
- Report on progress toward established goals and the effectiveness of campaign strategies.
- Advocate the Sierra Club position on proposed legislation involving environmental and energy issues in alignment with chapter and national priorities; communicate with elected officials, business leaders, governmental agencies, and other nonprofit organizations and allies.
- Assist in formulation of grassroots campaign and coalition activities in support of legislation at the local and state level.
- Work on task forces, committees, and in coalitions representing the Club's objectives or missions as determined by supervisor.
- Prioritize equity and justice within the overall work of the Alabama chapter and maintain relationships with Sierra Club groups across Alabama.
- Work with national staff to establish and strengthen an Alabama Beyond Coal team as needed and appropriate.
- Write chapter grants having to do with environmental and energy issues.
- Handle miscellaneous projects and duties as assigned by the chapter executive committee.
Knowledge & Skills:
- B.A./B.S. degree in a policy, environmental, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in the planning and implementation of campaigns, which includes strategy, organizing, media relations and contacts with political and business leaders.
- Expert knowledge of energy solution issues and the unique cultural and political environment of Alabama. Knowledge of renewable energy industry and economics preferred. Knowledge about water policy, public lands policy, sustainable agriculture, coastal conservation issues, and environmental justice.
- Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and media presentation ability.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with volunteers.
- Demonstrated familiarity with and commitment to incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into campaign process and outcomes. Demonstrated cultural competence.
- Ability to problem-solve and work under deadlines.
- Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.
The Sierra Club offers 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 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.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
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