Organizer, Philadelphia Climate Works
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.
The Pennsylvania Chapter was organized in the early 1970s and officially opened its office doors in Harrisburg in 1983. Our 30,000 members (and 80,000 total supporters) are led by an all-volunteer executive committee who drive the conservational, political, and organizational development of the Chapter as it seeks to reach the objectives of the Sierra Club mission. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club has a vibrant and experienced volunteer base. The Chapter comprises 9 regional Groups and is a prominent environmental voice in Pennsylvania.
Scope: The Organizer works under direction of the Philadelphia Climate Works (PCW) Program Manager to implement the Sierra Club’s PCW Program in concert with a strong, diverse, and broad-based climate justice movement in Philadelphia to build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. PCW is a co-convener of the HERE4CJ Coalition (Housing Equity, Repair, and Electrification for Climate Justice) which brings together community organizations, home repair providers, workforce and community development partners, and climate justice groups across Philadelphia to fight for safe, healthy, affordable, fossil-free housing for all. The Organizer’s role includes supporting and amplifying HERE4CJ’s mission and campaigns, as well engaging with other efforts to reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and increase climate resilience.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Grows the PCW and HERE4CJ coalitions. Builds relationships with new and existing community and coalition partners working on climate, social, and environmental justice. Recruits, coordinates, and facilitates grassroots involvement in the coalitions. Develops and implements a variety of engagement strategies (both on-line and face-to-face) to expand networks.
- Performs administrative advocacy to build support for policies and programs. Makes presentations to community groups and governmental bodies regarding PCW campaigns/issues and writes press releases, newsletters, flyers, petitions, fact sheets, and other public-facing materials to keep the coalition members, decision-makers, and the general public informed. Performs research and consultation on emerging issues of interest to the coalition.
- Assists Program Manager with coalition operations. Schedules, facilitates and attends meetings of coalition partners and prospective members, and reports back results. Assists with meeting and event logistics.
- Consults with the Program Manager to set outcome and process goals. Establishes indicators to evaluate progress and impact of the organizing program.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as directed. This includes administrative and clerical duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
- Experience working on advocacy in the environmental justice or social justice field that includes research and organizing campaigns, online engagement, communications, and/or working closely with volunteers.
- Basic knowledge of issues related to environmental, racial, economic, housing, and gender justice in Philadelphia, as well as an understanding of systems of oppression and political power dynamics.
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. Includes writing and producing written materials, such as letters to the editor, blog posts and newsletter articles, and/or advocacy materials. Excellent verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas and easily strike up conversation with diverse groups of people.
- Strong ability to network, build trust, and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and community members.
Proficient computer skills, including online facilitation and social media. - Strong equity analysis and practice. Awareness of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. Analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. Skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies: - Basic understanding of clean energy and climate policy, especially as it relates to environmental injustice, worker transition, and decarbonization of buildings.
- Existing relationships with climate justice movement organizations in Philadelphia.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is $61,500, non-negotiable.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Progressive Workers Union.
The Sierra Club offers a 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, union represented position.
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 People Department 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 belonging.
To Apply
Please submit your resume here.
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.
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