Chapter Director

Summary

Join the Sierra Club as the Nebraska Chapter Director, a flexible/remote position within Nebraska, preferably in Lincoln or Omaha, requiring travel. You will develop and implement chapter policies, priorities, and objectives, collaborating closely with the Executive Committee. Responsibilities encompass conservation, political programs, fundraising, volunteer management, and community engagement. You will manage chapter staff, represent the Sierra Club to various stakeholders, and ensure compliance with Sierra Club policies. The role demands strong leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, and communication skills. Evening and weekend work is expected.

Requirements

• Grassroots organizing. Experience in training and motivating volunteer teams; coalition building and lobbying
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working collaboratively with volunteers, staff, community and other partner organizations
• Provide appropriate organizational structure and accountability for all staff and Team Leaders, reflecting campaign needs and individual staff capacities
• Recruit, hire, and approve staffing decisions as needed with appropriate consultation with both the Executive Committee and Chapter staff, including managerial positions that report to the Chapter Director
• Coordinate staff and Team Leaders to carry out objectives and conduct performance evaluations and personnel actions as appropriate
• Provide professional expertise, guide and support to staff and volunteers
• Ensure the chapter is in compliance with Sierra Club employment policies and practices including the Progressive Workers Union contract
• Prior experience in organizational budget management and fundraising that includes donor relations with major funders, and membership programs to build a broader donor base
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills
• You are comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups, and leading group discussions
• You are able to clearly and concisely convey information (both written and verbal), and you can point to examples where you persuaded individuals or groups to take action for a cause
• You can articulate the components of a comprehensive communication strategy to support an advocacy campaign
• Your personal communication style includes active listening and proactive communication with others to establish shared expectations
• When miscommunications occur, you address them promptly and directly
• Commitment to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility
• You easily recognize any relationship to privilege and power you may experience, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate
• 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 and social justice issues that are relevant and important in Nebraska, including public land management, wildlife, and energy; and how these issues may affect Native American, Latine, and other potentially marginalized communities or groups of people in this state

Responsibilities

• Advise and support the Chapter Executive Committee and volunteer committees in adopting annual strategic, programmatic, and financial goals and priorities, and evaluate progress toward objectives throughout the year
• Regularly report to the Chapter Chair, staff supervisor, and regional and national Sierra Club campaign staff on chapter progress toward program and organizational development outcomes, and seek their input and guidance as programs are implemented and evaluated
• Provide visionary leadership to advance the chapter's mission and goals
• Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Executive Committee
• Foster a culture of collaboration, and commitment to social justice within the chapter
• Develop, oversee, and help implement a comprehensive chapter fundraising program
• Working with assigned chapter staff and lead volunteers, identify and meet with individual donors regularly; implement regular and effective donor communications; identify grant opportunities and develop proposals; and support all other fundraising activities
• Coordinate with regional and national staff on joint fundraising opportunities
• Work with the Chapter Treasurerto develop an annual budget and ensure regular financial tracking and reporting to the Executive Committee on financial metrics
• Develop and manage the chapter's budget in collaboration with the Executive Committee, Sierra Club regional and national offices, including Chapter Finance
• Support future staff and volunteer leaders by recruiting , training, and supporting volunteers for various roles within the chapter
• Developing and implementing administrative advocacy, volunteer and leadership development, legislative, electoral, and communications strategies that advance the chapter's goals and priorities
• Represent Sierra Club Nebraska to the public and in the media, building positive relationships and broadening the audience that receives our messages, to increase the chapter's visibility, credibility, and power
• Interact with decision makers and influential local and state leaders, and support and coach staff and volunteer leaders to become persuasive spokespeople
• Coordinate closely with regional and national Sierra Club staff to ensure full integration between the Chapter, regional field structure, communications and digital outreach staff, and national campaign staff
• Ensure that chapter strategies comply with Sierra Club policies, guidance, practices, and requirements
• Work collaboratively with other Sierra Club chapters, organizations, and stakeholders
• Build partnerships with community leaders, businesses, academic institutions, grassroots organizations, and other stakeholders to advance shared environmental goals
• Represent the chapter in coalitions, alliances, and collaborative efforts
• Develop and manage recruitment strategies to increase the number of Nebraska members and build a strong outings program
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with chapter members, volunteers, and supporters
• Oversee and support effective outreach events, workshops, educational programs, and outings to engage the community
• Work with local groups and partners to increase community involvement
• Work with the legislative committee to plan, prioritize andconduct or oversee lobbying efforts at the local and state level
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal and state of Nebraska public land and wildlife management, conservation and environmental issues, especially: energy issues, including air and water pollution, public health, coal and gas generation impacts, clean energy, or sustainable/regenerative agriculture
• Working knowledge of database, communications and productivity tools such as Salesforce, NGP VAN, Hustle, Quorum, etc
• Working knowledge of web design software and social media platforms
• Experience working with marginalized, underrepresented or environmental justice communities
• Experience with local, state, or federal advocacy, including lobbying elected officials and advocating with administrative officials

Benefits

• $89,100 - $89,100 a year
• Excellent benefits with medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings 401(k) plan