Chapter Director

Location

Remote | United States

Job description

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 director helps develop and carry out the policies, priorities, and objectives of the Executive Committee for the assigned areas of chapter programs and operations. These assigned areas include but are not limited to: conservation, political and legislative programs, assuring equity and inclusion, fundraising, volunteer development and member services, administration, budgeting and financial management, and media relations. The director manages other chapter staff. The director represents the South Carolina Chapter and the Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, donors, allies, other organizations, and the public. Evening and weekend work is often required.
Job activities include:

Facilitates and contributes to development of the Chapter’s short- and long-term strategic, programmatic and financial goals. All planning activity takes place in coordination with the Executive Committee, relevant Chapter Committees, Chapter Treasurer, and PAC Treasurer. Develops annual goals and budget and evaluates Chapter performance.
Directs Chapter fundraising activities including pursuing grants, writing fund appeals, cultivation of major donors and other fundraising activities. Responsible for overseeing the development of an annual fundraising plan and meeting fundraising goals in coordination with development staff, and with support of the volunteer Fundraising Committee. May include committee member recruitment and leadership development.
Manages Chapter staff. Leads staff in assigned operational or program areas. Writes, conducts, and reviews staff performance appraisals using solicited input from the Executive Committee, Chapter Chair, and/or others as appropriate. Reviews staff time reports and ensures that these reports are completed in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with Sierra Club policies.
Oversees Chapter compliance. Ensures compliance with Sierra Club policies, with legal requirements for use of Sierra Club resources among staff, and with Sierra Club’s employment policies and practices. Supports volunteer leaders in ensuring compliance in the broader Sierra Club program. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws (local, state, and national) pertaining to chapter operations.
Oversees the development, tracking, and management of campaign plans and goals. Ensures that Sierra Club national priorities are reflected in the Chapter’s work.
Coordinates media and public relations efforts in coordination with communications staff. Plans and implements an effective public relations program and develops positive, regular contacts with the media to maximize the Chapter’s credibility. Ensures that an adequate number of knowledgeable and representative spokespersons are available to address the public and the media. Ensures that the Chapter’s digital strategy is effective.
Supports the Executive Committee in recruiting and motivating volunteer leaders.
Engages in outreach and coalition-building. Ensures the Chapter and its leaders participate in meetings, task forces, and events. Builds strong relationships with the Chapter’s Groups, state and regional community leaders, coalitions, other organizations, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc. Represents the Chapter when appropriate.
Attends Chapter meetings. Attends periodic Executive Committee and Conservation Committee meetings. Is available as needed on weekends and after hours, to participate in key meetings with staff, volunteers or others. Occasional local, state and national travel is required.
Assists the Chapter Conservation Chair in the planning and implementation of core conservation efforts and programs.
Leading and managing annual and quarterly fundraising efforts for the chapter.
Able to travel as needed. Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

Experience in grassroots organizing, training, motivating volunteers, coalition building and lobbying.
A proven track record of understanding systems of oppression and a commitment to continuously deepening your study and learning, as well as experience operationalizing belonging, dignity, and justice throughout team/department policies, structures, culture, and programs. Additionally, you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
As a member of the state leadership team, this individual is expected to have a focused and sustained attention towards calling out and challenging systems, policies, practices, or procedures that have racist effects.
Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community. Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies, and volunteers. A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.
Organizational conflict resolution experience and committed communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to implement plans, communicate changes effectively, build consensus, monitor transitions, and evaluate results.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:

Non-profit management or Board experience.
Expertise in the practice of cultural competency and sensitivity to the social, economic, and other barriers impacting minority populations in the state, at the moment of prioritizing and developing short and long term campaign plans/goals.
Experience in energy, climate, and/or environmental policy.
Experience and knowledge of state and federal legislative processes; relationships with media, elected officials, lobbyists.
Excellent computer skills and familiarity with online communications and office productivity tools. Exceptional curiosity, critical thinking, and clarity.

Tagged as: Conservation

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