Description
The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) seeks a committed and motivated individual to lead its clean energy and climate justice work. The Campaign & Policy Manager will work with VCN’s Network Partners to develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, improve coordination among allies, and advance Virginia’s clean energy and climate justice policy.
The Campaign & Policy Manager will oversee our clean energy and climate justice work. The impacts of our energy production – particularly climate change – are directly impacting communities here in Virginia, from increased flooding and rising sea levels along our coast to higher rates of asthma in our cities. This is a defining issue of our time and we must act with the urgency the problem demands.
Virginia is moving in the right direction when it comes to tackling climate change. Still, it faces major obstacles as it works to protect and implement Virginia’s 100% clean energy policies in a way that protects communities and our natural environment.
Job Duties
Policy Creation and Coordination
Shepherding Network Partners through the annual Common Agenda process to identify shared policy objectives through the creation of VCN’s Environmental Briefing Book;
Working with our partners, including the Environmental Justice Collaborative, to ensure climate and energy policy priorities are equitable in their approach;
Participating in the Environmental Justice Collaborative’s policy working group;
Watchdogging state policy changes and their impacts on clean energy and climate justice;
Strategic Campaign Facilitation
Working with partners to develop multiple state-based campaigns to advance state-based clean energy and climate justice policy; this can include regulatory, administrative, and legislative strategies;
Facilitating VCN’s energy workgroup and associated campaign teams. This includes working with partners to set agendas for calls, identifying and empowering partners to take on campaign leadership, sharing regular updates on priority issues, and meeting one on one with partners;
Providing support to Network Partners to implement campaign strategies and tactics, including specialized campaign plans, issue briefings, talking points, and action alerts;
Organizing and providing a driving force behind campaign implementation, including opinion editorials, educational briefings, and other outreach;
Recruiting new partner groups to join VCN by engaging them in climate and energy campaigns;
Communicating and coordinating with non-partner strategic allies with shared clean energy and climate justice priorities
Advocacy
Acting as VCN’s lead advocate in the General Assembly building on clean energy and climate justice issues;
Helping to lead VCN’s Legislative Committee, including tracking legislation, developing positions for and against bills each Legislative Session, and communicating those positions to stakeholders and elected leaders;
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers year-round, including state elected officials, state agency staff, and Administration leadership;
Connecting Network Partners to policymakers;
Being a vocal advocate and spokesperson for Virginia’s environment, for VCN, and for its Network Partners.
In addition, the Campaign and Policy Manager will work with the rest of the VCN team towards our shared organizational goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Skills Required
Candidates should have a commitment to meeting our clean energy goals and solving the climate crisis by working collaboratively and growing the voice of the environmental community. VCN is looking for candidates with experience in leading the strategy and the execution for advocacy, grassroots organizing, campaigning, and/or community outreach on issues such as climate change, conservation, public health, and/or social justice. Candidates must bring humility and emotional intelligence to their work.
Candidates should have a proven track record of bringing a diverse set of individuals together through coalition coordination, multi-stakeholder facilitation, and/or strategic campaign development. We’re looking for candidates with the experience and commitment to work with individuals with different racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. Candidates must be committed to VCN’s goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Additional Info
Compensation:
The salary for this position is $50,000 – $55,000. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance (with fully covered employee premiums); 20 days of vacation plus sick days and holidays; a retirement plan; and family leave. Other benefits include cell phone reimbursements, a budget towards professional development, a parking spot downtown or bike commuter reimbursement, and an annual staff retreat to a different scenic region of the state each year.
To Apply:
This position will remain posted until the job is filled. The preferred application deadline is October 24, 2022. Target start date is by Jan 2, 2023.
Submit the following in an email to
[email protected]. Include “Campaign & Policy Manager” in the subject line.
Resume
Three references (We will not contact references until later in the hiring process.)
In lieu of a cover letter, please include a response to the following questions in the body of the email (Limit each response to 250 words or less)
Specifically, what calls you to want to work at Virginia Conservation Network?
To what extent has pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice been a priority in your work?
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice:
VCN is committed to build a more equitable and diverse organization and Network. VCN’s staff works collaboratively to update and implement an annual diversity, equity, inclusion and justice work plan. You can learn more about our work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice here.