Chapter Organizer

Job Title: Chapter Organizer

Chapter: Connecticut Chapter    

Location: Hartford, CT 

Reports To: State Director 

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. 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 injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. 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 has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Connecticut Chapter Organizer develops and implements education programs, community and volunteer outreach, coalition building, mobilization, and communication about Chapter climate and environment campaigns. Engages and mobilizes supporters through digital communications and events. Recruits new volunteers and leaders.  Works with State Director, National, Chapter staff,  volunteers, and partner organizations to build support for Sierra Club Connecticut climate and environment programs and projects through education, volunteer engagement and mobilization, and direct advocacy.  Approximately 50% of job duties are performed on-site in person at the Connecticut State Capitol during legislative session. 

• Develops and implements outreach strategies and tactics to engage and recruit community members to participate in community outreach, education, and advocacy about Chapter climate and environment campaigns
• Represents Sierra Club Connecticut before the General Assembly and state agencies, develops strategies and advocates via written and verbal testimony, and direct communication with officials
• Works with Sierra Club volunteers to develop policy priorities, strategy, and grassroots engagement in legislative and administrative processes on key issues
• Engages with other organizations to collaborate on climate and environment issues; seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s equity initiatives through new partnerships and engagement strategies
• Creates digital communications to inform and mobilize members, supporters and the public including email, social media posts, press releases,  op-eds, presentations, and newsletter articles
• Develops and reports on funding proposals, in collaboration with State Director and Sierra Club Foundation
• Provides Chapter program and administrative support as needed, including handling phone inquiries, data entry, mailings, outdoor activities and volunteer training
• Heavier workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines.  Regular travel throughout Connecticut is expected.  Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.

• Demonstrated experience leading an issue campaign or community organizing campaign
• Strong knowledge of Connecticut climate and environmental issues
• Understanding of policy making  and previous experience in advocacy before local, state or federal legislative or regulatory agencies
• Ability to interact positively with community residents, volunteers, staff, and the public
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to clearly explain complex issues and effectively communicate them

• Strong meeting facilitation and conflict resolution skills
• Program and event management experience
• Agile thinking and problem-solving
• Proficient with Word processing and Spreadsheet applications,  Google Docs Suite and social media platforms

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.