Outreach Coordinator

Job Title: Outreach Coordinator

Department: Hoosier Chapter

Location: Indianapolis, IN. This position requires an ability to travel. 

Reports To: Hoosier Chapter 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:This position will lead the development and implementation of campaigns and initiatives focused on climate change, agriculture, energy, forest, and water issues for Sierra Club in Indiana. Under direction of the Director(s), this position helps achieve and coordinates Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter’s approved conservation and equity programmatic objectives. This position also participates in planning policy outreach efforts, makes strategic recommendations to achieve conservation objectives, assists in development initiatives and communication, and engages in outreach to diverse communities and allies.

• Builds volunteer capacity in Indiana in key districts and regions, in support of Sierra Club’s clean energy and conservation priorities both in the legislature and in other campaign efforts.
• Leads volunteer leaders with recruitment, training, and coaching to increase participation and depth of engagement.
• Leads volunteers in developing strong racial justice and equity competencies.
• Builds relationships with new and existing community and coalition partners working on climate, social, and environmental justice.
• Works with key staff and volunteers to develop materials, including petitions, slide decks, and training resources, to support organizing program.
• Leads, develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies (both on-line and face-to-face) to develop networks to support Sierra Club goals.
• Sets outcome and process goals and establishes indicators to evaluate progress and impact of organizing program.
• Represents Sierra Club in regional coalitions, at regional events, and to the general public.
• Assists Chapter Director and relevant committees in organizing and implementing development initiatives.
• Devotes at least 60% of work time to specific grant-funded initiatives including clean water/wildlife/conservation campaigns; time and attention also may be directed toward clean energy campaigns as assigned.

• Demonstrated experience in grassroots organizing: You have demonstrated experience with successfully mobilizing a group of people to address common issues and concerns and enabling them to take action. Your efforts focus on collective action; the power derived from the synchronized actions of people in unity, as opposed to separate individuals.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills: Excellent writing and editing skills. Demonstrated skill in writing and producing written materials, such as letters to the editor, blog posts and newsletter articles, or advocacy materials. Excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas and easily strike up conversation with diverse groups of people. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently & cooperatively: Works effectively with public, staff and volunteers. Strong ability to network, build trust, and build working relationships. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work remotely in an action-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers: You model best practices when it comes to volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention. You know how to motivate volunteers and understand the importance of regular feedback. You recruit volunteers that reflect the diversity of the community and adhere to a community-driven approach in your activities.
• Equity Analysis and Practice: You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

• Understanding of environmental, climate, and social justice issues and how they relate to each other.
• Excellent knowledge and background in a specific issue area of the environmental field related to assigned programs and campaigns.
• Knowledge, background and positive existing relationships within specific communities or related to assigned Sierra Club programs and campaigns.

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.