CLIMATE & DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER (Contract position)

Position

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a Climate & Democracy Organizer (Contract position) to support the OEC’s Democracy Program. The Democracy Organizer will help run educational, 501(c)(3)-compliant grassroots organizing campaigns in Ohio communities most impacted by climate pollution and the impacts of climate change. They will engage and mobilize first-time, low-propensity, or otherwise disenfranchised voters to participate in upcoming elections.

 

Residence in Ohio is required, preferably Central Ohio.

 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic organizer with demonstrated field experience focused on non-partisan voter engagement with disenfranchised communities. The candidate should also demonstrate a passion for the environment and lived experience of how environmental issues intersect with other social justice movements. The Organizer’s work will likely focus extensively on Franklin County, so they should expect to spend significant time in Columbus and nearby communities. The Organizer will have access to the OEC’s Columbus Office as a place of work. They will set their own schedule, but should expect to be able to work occasional evenings and weekends, especially around elections, and be willing to occasionally travel to different locations in Ohio.

Job Responsibilities

The Climate & Democracy Organizer will support the OEC’s work to engage voters through climate justice messaging. The Organizer will be expected to both engage in on-the-ground tactics as well as messaging development and data analysis. The Organizer will directly be a part of the OEC’s Democracy Team while collaborating with partners from other organizations in pursuit of coordinated objectives.

Working directly with the OEC’s Staff Attorney and in conjunction with the organization’s Political Director, the Climate & Democracy Organizer will: 

• Coordinate non-partisan grassroots organizing campaigns centered on the impacts of climate change
• Develop and implement 501(c)(3)-compliant voter mobilization programs in conjunction with partner organizations
• Build relationships with frontline organizers, community groups, and grassroots leaders
• Support the implementation and analysis of data-driven systems to determine the efficacy of voter contact and engagement strategies
• Craft community-centric climate justice messaging with support of the OEC Communications Team
• Run and support community listening and engagement events
• Create voter registration and voter turnout materials
• Coordinate volunteer and paid canvassing programs

Qualifications

The Climate & Democracy Organizer must be committed to mobilizing people and communities around issues of climate justice. Candidates should have direct or lived experience working with marginalized communities most impacted by environmental injustices, including communities with first-time, low-propensity, or otherwise disenfranchised voter populations.

At least two to three years of experience working in organizing, a voter mobilization campaign, or other similar work is preferred. While a college degree in a relevant subject area is preferred, field experience may substitute for educational background. 

Additional Desirable Skills 

• Demonstrably strong interpersonal skills; 
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, both internal to the organization and externally with partners, grassroots leaders, and community members;
• Voter mobilization campaign management, including volunteer recruitment and coordination;
• Proficiency with the Voter Action Network (VAN);
• Data analysis skills, including identifying and interpreting trends and opportunities based on the available information, through programs like Google Sheets;
• Budget planning and management;
• Independent and team-oriented work ethic; 
• Efficient management of multiple projects while delivering quality results.

 

Required Cultural Competence

The ideal candidate shares 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. Furthermore, we’re looking for candidates with strong listening skills and an ability to handle interpersonal relationships with grace and empathy.

 

Compensation

Pay for this contract is $22 – $26 per hour, depending on experience, for up to 40 hours a week. The Organizer’s work will be part of a three-year project that will conclude in December 2024, with contract renewals occurring on an annual basis beginning December 2022.

 

About the OEC

The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC works 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 over 50 years, we have led many of the major environmental policy wins in Ohio. Visit the OEC’s website to learn more about our vision, values, and work.

Please visit the OEC’s website to learn more about our vision, values, and work.

Our team is made up of 27 staff, 22 board members, and a number of interns and volunteers who come from a variety of backgrounds, including state government, social justice and environmental organizations, law firms, and all corners of the state. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds, including women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and all religions. 

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. Candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply 

Send a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the position, your resume, and references to careers@theOEC.org with “Climate & Democracy Organizer” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through July 15, 2022.