L.A. Regional Organizer

Are you a dynamic, accomplished organizer and relationship-builder wanting to make a difference on climate change? We are looking for a smart, collaborative, enthusiastic, professional to lead our Climate-Safe California partnership and organizing efforts in Southern California. Working collaboratively, we will accelerate equitable climate policy based on the latest science and the rapidly worsening climate reality globally, and in California.

About The Climate Center

The Climate Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, works to deliver rapid greenhouse gas reductions at scale, starting in California. Founded in 2001, The Climate Center played a key role in the tremendous growth of Community Choice Agencies (CCAs), local government-led alternatives to investor owned utilities. CCAs grew from 2 to 23 over the past 6 years and now provide 88% clean energy to over 11 million Californians.

The Climate Center has launched a bold, science-based campaign, Climate-Safe California, to accelerate climate action timelines in California, catalyzing other states, our nation and countries around the world to greater action for a climate-safe future. 

Our goal is that California, the world’s fifth largest economy, achieves net-negative emissions, draw down of past emissions greater than current emissions, by 2030, 15 years ahead of current law. This entails for main areas of policy: phasing out fossil fuels in electricity transportation, building and industry sectors; ramping up investments in nature-based sequestration of past emissions on natural and working lands; ensuring resilience in all of our communities to increasing extreme events and power shutoffs; and securing the billions of dollars needed annually to realize these urgent goals.

Our policies and programs, guided by these three key principles, must: (1) be based on the latest science, (2) ensure a just transition for workers, their families and their communities, dependent on fossil fuel industries, and, (3), prioritize climate justice to ensure that low income communities and communities of color are no longer disproportionately harmed by the production and use of fossil fuels, and the growing impacts of climate change with equitable access to climate-friendly solutions.

The Organizer and Partnership Coordinator will play a key role mobilizing California to support this urgently needed campaign.

Position Description

The Organizer is responsible for recruiting and mobilizing and tracking partner organizations across cross sectors starting in the LA Region to build an engaged base of support to take action in support of the urgent Climate-Safe California goals. 

Job Responsibilities

• Recruiting and organizing new supporters of Climate-Safe California including NGOs, especially environmental justice and climate groups, labor unions, health organizations, business, major donors, opinion leaders, etc.
• Keeping The Climate Center supporters in the Southern California region engaged in actions to forward Climate-Safe California 
• Lead Southern CA area cross-sector network building 
• Develop strategy and lead regional field organizing activities for policy campaigns
• Represent The Climate Center and actively participate in relevant coalitions and community partner meetings
• Organize, lead, and participate in community education meetings, trainings, and other events
• In coordination with the Government Affairs Manager and others on staff, organize and attend lobbying visits with state and local officials and provide testimony to administrative agencies and governing bodies, and develop and cultivate relationships with lawmakers and decision-makers to advance Climate-Safe California objectives
• Provide trainings for community members and coalition partners on how to conduct policy advocacy with decision makers
• Contribute to development of advocacy materials including letters, fact sheets, toolkits, action alerts, blog posts, and social media content
• Develop local/regional action toolkit for distribution to partners, and follow up with them to get their feedback
• Help identify and develop compelling human stories to detail the experiences of communities impacted by fossil fuel production and use, climate injustice and climate impacts
• Support webinars/summits/events that educate and mobilize regional partners and supporters 
• Deliver relevant presentations to partner organizations and the public, working with Director of Communications
• Develop and implement an annual workplan with specific, measurable quarterly outcomes for creating a loyal and active base of supporters for the Climate-Safe CA campaign 
• Assist in supporting fundraising activities in the LA region
• Work on special projects to achieve the goals of Climate-Safe California such as:
  • Preparing agendas for and facilitating Climate Safe CA Mobilizing team meetings
  • Tracking partners and endorsements
  • Assisting team members with outreach
  • Taking meeting notes
• Other tasks may be assigned depending on need and after consultation with members of the Management Team

Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to climate change, climate justice and just transition, and to Climate-Safe CA goals and principles
• At least 5 years of organizing, campaign, and/or advocacy experience
• At least 5 years working in working in the LA and broader region, with experience with climate change, energy, resilience, nature-based solutions and/or related issues 
• Proven success working effectively with coalitions and building coalitions
• Experience implementing a grassroots campaign 
• Experience planning and facilitating workshops, trainings, meetings, and other community engagement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Flexible, team player 
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative along with good judgement 
• Ability to participate in, create and sustain inclusive and engaging spaces for all races/ethnicities, genders, ages, classes, and geographies
• Bilingual Spanish/English communication skills preferred but not required
• Willing to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Regular travel throughout the region and occasional travel to other parts of state (travel post COVID)

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. The Climate Center also offers an excellent benefits package.

Benefits Package: 

• Generous medical, dental and vision plan
• 401(k) plan with opportunity for match. 
• Dynamic and supportive team atmosphere

At The Climate Center, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole like that includes time outside of work. The Climate Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We value diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. 

Application Process

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, short sample of some recent communications (written, video, social media) developed primarily by you, and 3-5 references with your application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by February 26, 2021. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.