Northeast Ohio Regional Director

The Ohio Environmental Council family of organizations seeks a new addition to our Field Advocacy team, a Northeast Ohio Regional Director. As the Northeast Ohio Regional Director, you will work at the local level to advocate policies in the Akron and Mahoning Valley region which mitigate climate change and propel Ohio’s clean energy future .

The Ohio Environmental Council views climate change as a threat to the health and environment of all who call Ohio home and future generations, and work to mitigate the causes and impacts of a changing climate, including working to ensure our democratic institutions are set up to facilitate bold action. Included in our values is a belief in bringing diverse people together for a shared purpose, forging strategic partnerships to strengthen Ohio’s environmental movement, and honoring community leadership. And we work to understand and remedy both current and historical environmental injustice caused by oppressive practices harming Ohioans and meaningfully supporting our partners and the communities they represent.

As the Regional Director, you will play a critical role in securing victories for clean energy and other environmental protections by working closely with OEC staff and local community partners. As part of the larger statewide Field Advocacy Team, you will also be working at the intersection of local advocacy and local energy policy alongside our partners such as Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO).

Job Responsibilities

As the Northeast Ohio Regional Director, your will include:

• Advancing policies that protect the air, water, land and democracy in northeast Ohio locally and by connecting relevant sustainability issues to the Ohio Statehouse and Congress.
• Building and maintaining key relationships with local elected officials and, high level community stakeholders
• Organizing and attending community events and meetings in the community that build the OEC’s presence in Northeast Ohio.
• Coordinating efforts between a strong and sustainable internal team and external coalition partners, advocating on energy, land, democracy, and water issues;
• Building and maintaining relationships with OEC Board Members and regional donors.
• Working with staff to develop authentic relationships with key partners, local opinion leaders, elected officials, and business leaders who can play important, strategic roles in the OEC family of organizations.
• Understanding and working within the political landscape to build relationships and advance our agenda across a diverse set of individuals and organizations.

Qualifications

Key qualifications:

• You have at least one year of work experience, including work or volunteer experience in a grassroots organizing, advocacy, or activist setting.
• You have the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and build a team;
• You have a commitment to the region, working for a just and better world, and raising the profile of environmental issues impacting the area;
• You have the ability to inspire action and to break down complex issues into calls to action;
• You have effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects;
• You share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• Some evenings and weekends as needed

While we value experience on energy, climate, and other environmental issues, expertise in those areas is not required. Candidates who have experience working on other issues such as racial justice or democracy issues are encouraged to apply.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in field organizing or advocacy is a huge plus;
• Experience working on energy issues such as community aggregation, electric vehicles, energy efficiency is a big plus;
• An understanding and experience within the political landscape to build relationships and advance our agenda across a diverse set of individuals and organizations;
• You can be creative about building bridges with organizations from different viewpoints.

Compensation

Salary for this position is $42,001-$55,000 and is within the bargaining unit represented by the OEC Workers United. Excellent benefits include employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund.

Additional details:

Candidates should be based in Akron or the Mahoning Valley region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff are working remotely and will be expected to resume in-person meetings and travel when it is safe to do so. You will report to our Managing Field Director..  

About the OEC Family of Organizations

The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC family of organizations work for pragmatic solutions to keep Ohio clean and beautiful, and our communities safe. We fight for clean air and water, clean energy, and protected public lands. We hold polluters accountable in court while working with communities and companies that want to invest in a clean, more sustainable direction. For nearly 50 years, we have led many of the major environmental policy wins in Ohio.

The Ohio Environmental Council is the state’s most comprehensive, effective and respected environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. Our experts work daily to restore, protect and strengthen the quality of life for families and communities—from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and natural resources we enjoy.

Application Instructions

Send your cover letter, resume, and references to careers@theOEC.org with “NEO Regional Director” in the subject line. Please let us know in your cover letter where you heard about the job. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The OEC is working with Sarah Bennett Consulting to coordinate this search. Please feel free to reach out to Sarah and her team at the email above or at jon@sarahbennettconsulting.com.

The Ohio Environmental Council is committed to working toward a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive environmental movement and seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the diverse communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunities employer. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.