As we look forward to a new year and make plans for what we want to achieve together, the SF Bay Chapter needs to fill a few key volunteer positions. Read more about the openings below:
- Political Compliance Officer – POSITION FILLED
- Chapter Treasurer – POSITION FILLED
- Nomination Committee member – POSITIONS FILLED
Chapter Treasurer: (POSITION FILLED)
The Chapter Treasurer provides oversight of the finances for all Chapter entities (Chapter, Groups, Activity Sections, ICOs and PACs), working alongside the Finance Committee and staff to ensure the chapter’s financial stability and solvency. Treasurer training and ongoing support is provided by the Sierra Club’s Offices of Chapter Funding and Finance.
Responsibilities include:
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Report the Chapter’s financial status to the Executive Committee at least quarterly.
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With staff support, complete and submit year-end financial reports.
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Review invoices and other payment requests for accuracy. Ensure that grants and restricted funds are spent in accordance with donor restrictions.
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With staff support, prepare an annual budget and regularly compare financial transactions to the approved budget.
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Communicate and promote adherence to all Sierra Club policies and procedures that relate to grants, investments, tax issues, insurance, contracts, legal services, contract employees, hiring staff, and political regulatory compliance.
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Oversee the financial records of each of the Chapter’s entities. Ensure that all entity treasurers are aware of the scope of their responsibilities.
Time commitment: The Treasurer should be able to join regular Finance Committee meetings for one hour in the first week of each month and join the regular Chapter Executive Committee to report on Chapter finances on the evening of the second Monday of each month (meetings currently held over Zoom). Some time is required to prepare and review documents ahead of each meeting. The Treasurer has regular oversight and approval responsibilities that vary throughout the year: for example, the Treasurer approves expense reimbursements, contracts, and grant reports throughout the year, while more time will need to be spent at the end of each year for preparing the next year’s budget, and in preparing annual financial reports in the first quarter of each year.
Professional experience in finance or accounting is not required. If you work in finance, please consult your employer before applying.
To apply: Write to Acting Chapter Director Virginia Reinhart at virginia.reinhart@sierraclub.org stating why you’re interested in this position and what your qualifications are.
Political Compliance Officer: (POSITION FILLED)
The Sierra Club is incorporated as a registered 501(c)(4) organization and we manage a political action committee (PAC), which means that the SF Bay Chapter can engage in political activity including endorsing and campaigning for political leaders and ballot initiatives. Year after year, we are one of the most influential political organizations in the region. But we can't do any of this without a Compliance Officer!
The Chapter’s Political Compliance Officer advises those involved in the Chapter’s political program about how to conduct political activities to ensure compliance with the provisions of its own state and local election laws, as well as Sierra Club policies and restrictions. The Compliance Officer must be detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and comfortable making judgements based on the reading of laws, bylaws, and regulations. Training materials and support are provided by the Sierra Club’s national political compliance team.
Responsibilities include:
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Ensure that the political campaign activities of the chapter and its entities adhere to all applicable state and local election regulation and reporting requirements. This includes responsibility for compliance with the laws and regulations pertaining to direct and in-kind contribution limits, public and member communications,fundraising restrictions, and the reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures.
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Explain, justify, and persuade Club members to accept and comply with all appropriate Sierra Club policies and Club-related restrictions as stated in the Sierra Club Political Committee Compliance Guidelines and other related resources.
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Maintain good communications with the chapter chair, political chair, political action committee treasurer(s) and staff regarding pertinent political campaign activities.
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Serve as a compliance resource for the Chapter’s political program.
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Keep informed of any changes in regulations and reporting changes in filing dates and requirements for various state and local elections types, the application of 501(c)(4), PAC, and independent expenditures, and other information relating to the Chapter’s state and local campaign-related activities.
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Maintain a permanent file of campaign reports and correspondence.
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Before leaving office, train a replacement.
Time Commitment: The bulk of the work for the Political Compliance Officer takes place in the lead-up to elections, beginning during the endorsement process and carrying through Election Day and any necessary reporting afterwards. There is not a large time commitment required but the Officer must be able to review and respond to questions (typically via email) in a timely manner.
To apply: Write to Acting Chapter Director Virginia Reinhart at virginia.reinhart@sierraclub.org stating why you’re interested in this position and what your qualifications are.
Nomination Committee Member: (POSITIONS FILLED)
Every year, the work of ensuring free and fair elections for Sierra Club chapter and group Executive Committee (ExCom) positions is carried out by the Chapter Nomination Committee (NomCom). NomCom Committee members are chosen for their commitment to the Sierra Club’s goal of nurturing the “grass roots” by encouraging diverse leadership, and for their willingness to fairly oversee the nomination and election process.
Would you like to be a member of the NomCom? This is a good committee for members who are not already in leadership positions, as you will learn a lot about the Chapter.
Helpful characteristics/skills for NomCom members:
- A welcoming demeanor and good listening, speaking and writing skills to ensure that potential candidates can navigate the election process;
- An interest in high-participation, democratic elections — the infrastructure that helps our Chapter to be effective;
- An even temper and an unwavering commitment to fairness, consistency, and truth in the elections process;
- Willingness to learn about the different Groups and regions of the Chapter and work with them to support elections that bring forward a variety of voices and perspectives to leadership; and
- Impartiality and no or minimal conflicts with Chapter members that would affect your ability to carry out the above duties.
Time commitment: Plan for monthly committee meetings, plus meetings with group members, chapter staff and interested possible candidates. Plan for four hours per month most of the year, with a doubling of that during the three months around the election.
To apply: Send a note of interest to elections@sfbaysc.org. For more information, you may contact Peggy da Silva at 415-305-7897.