Chapter Director (Lone Star Chapter) @ Sierra Club

Sierra Club

Application Info

Chapter Director (Lone Star Chapter)

Description

Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter is the oldest grassroots environmental organization in Texas. We believe our open spaces, natural resources, public health, and air, water and land should be protected so that people of all identities in both current and future generations may enjoy them. We believe that the health of the human world is inextricably linked to the health of the natural world. The Lone Star Chapter values representation, equity, inclusion, promotes environmental education, and advocates for environmental justice in our efforts to fulfill our mission in Texas. Our goal is to transform Texas into a healthy and vibrant home for all.

Scope:

The Chapter Director plays a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of all programs, policies and initiatives for the Lone Star Chapter. This is done in consultation with the Chapter’s Executive Committee and by developing a strong partnership with their Chapter staff and national campaigns. The Chapter Director participates in planning with the Executive Committee to establish short and long-term priorities and strategies to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the Chapter. The person in this role leads with an equity lens, believes in coaching and developing their team, and values feedback as a way to reach common goals while being flexible, adaptable and empathetic.

Primary Responsibilities:

  1. Fundraising and Budget
    1. In coordination with the Executive Committee and staff, establish fundraising goals and design, including the implementation of an annual and multi-year fundraising plan.
    2. Working closely with Chapter Development Committee, staff and volunteers to meet the funding needs of Chapter, including the design and implementation of plans to:
    3. Reach out to member donors and Chapter groups for their support
    4. Cultivate existing and new donor relationships
    5. Identify grant proposal opportunities and coordinate the submittal process
    6. Balance fundraising needs for c(3) (tax-deductible) and c(4) (non tax-deductible) funds.
  2. Leadership and Mentoring
    1. Experience and capacity to lead teams, including strong staff management and project management skills
    2. Equity and inclusion and cultural competency and alignment and understanding of organizational mission
    3. Leads Lone Star Chapter office by managing and coordinating with key paid staff to carry out the objectives and delegating as appropriate
    4. Recruits, hires and approves staffing decisions as needed with appropriate consultation with both the Executive Committee and Chapter staff.
    5. Writes and conducts performance appraisals and takes personnel actions as appropriate.
    6. Reviews staff time reports and ensures that the reporting of this information is accurate and timely in accordance with Sierra Club policies.
    7. Ensures the Chapter’s compliance with Sierra Club’s employment policies and practices, including justice, equity and inclusion principles.
  3. Communications
    1. Works with Communication staff to present communications planning that encompassing media, membership and general public
    2. Develops and maintains working relationships with external organizations, officials, and the media and represents the Chapter, as appropriate, in publications and interviews.
    3. Oversees and monitors implementation of communications plan by the Political and Communications Director which
    4. develops contacts with the media to establish and maintain positive relations to maximize the Chapter's credibility and convey positions on issues,
    5. strengthens lines of communication with the membership and general public,
    6. expands electronic outreach of the Chapter, and
    7. enhances Chapter fundraising efforts.
  4. Teamwork and Collaboration
    1. Works with the Chair, Executive Committee, Executive Committees and Staff to develop the Chapter's short and long term strategic and programmatic and financial goals and objectives and ensures that Chapter staff is informed of goals and objectives.
    2. Manages implementation of recommendations approved by the Executive Committee.
    3. Monitors the work of the Chapter Conservation and Legislative Director in designing and implementing effective legislative programs and initiatives that reflect the Chapter’s conservation and other policy goals and priorities. Ensures that Chapter actions are coordinated with such programs and initiatives.
    4. Prepares regular progress reports to the Executive Committee of work activity, major programmatic decisions, outreach, and financial status.
    5. Communicates effectively with staff
  5. Strategic Planning
    1. Works with the Chair, Executive Committee, and Chapter Committees and Staff to develop the Chapter's short and long term strategic and programmatic goals and objectives and ensures that Chapter staff is informed of goals and objectives.
  6. Partnership and Outreach Development
    1. Basic familiarity with Texas natural resources, economics, culture, demographics, and social & political landscapes
    2. Represents the Chapter at meetings and events when appropriate. Builds strong relationships with partner organizations, elected officials, governmental agencies, and other groups in consultation and coordination with appropriate staff
    3. Acts as Chapter liaison with national headquarters staff and ensures that the Chapter actions are in compliance with national requirements.

Additional responsibilities:

  1. Consults and coordinates with the Executive Committee as necessary to take official action on administrative, legal, conservation/policy, or other issues.
  2. Coordinates with the Chapter Conservation/Legislative, Political and Communications Director and other staff to ensure communication of the Chapter's priorities, policies, objectives, and goals to volunteers.
  3. Facilitates the efforts of volunteers to make the Chapter a stable, effective force for conservation.
  4. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills:

  • B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience. Advanced degrees are helpful but not required.
  • At least 3-5 years of non-profit managerial (or comparable leadership) experience that includes substantial experience in development, financial management, planning and managing grassroots policy/advocacy/legislative campaigns, outreach to elected officials and state agencies, media relations, and working with volunteers.
  • Demonstrated commitment to and experience with incorporating principles of justice, equity, and inclusion into campaign processes and outcomes. Demonstrated cultural competence.
  • Proven leadership and organizational abilities and capable of encouraging and developing the capabilities of staff and of providing guidance to a volunteer board
  • Prior experience in fundraising that includes donor relations with major foundations, grant-funded project development and oversight, and membership programs to build a broader donor base.
  • Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and balance competing priorities under pressure and tight deadlines
  • 1 or more years of experience with the direct supervision of multiple employees required.
  • Substantial experience in the strategic planning and direction of campaigns and programs
  • General knowledge within the environmental field, preferably with more in-depth knowledge of environmental justice issues in Texas and in one or more additional issue areas, such as energy/natural resources, public health, ecology, or other relevant areas within Texas.
  • Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and media presentation ability.
  • Knowledge of the Texas legislative process.
  • Substantial experience and demonstrated effectiveness working with volunteers.
  • Proficiency in Spanish is desirable, but not 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.

Location

Austin, TX, USA

Category

External

Posted

2020-07-09 00:00