Senior Government Affairs And Political Advocate

Job Title: Senior Government Affairs and Political Advocate
Department: Colorado Chapter
Location: Denver, Colorado
ReportsTo: Chapter Director
Supervises: None
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.
Scope: In partnership with volunteer leadership, the Senior Government Affairs and Political Associate plans, organizes, and implements the Chapter's state and local legislative priorities, government relations, and Political priorities. In collaboration with the volunteer leadership and state-based staff, plans and implements the chapter's approved legislative and Political program. Coordinates with volunteers, relevant chapter and national staff to develop strategies for state-level work plans that move Colorado toward our climate, equity, and justice goals. Represents the Sierra Club to government officials, the media, business and community leaders, allies and other organizations, and the public.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
Advocates for Sierra Club Priorities within Governmental Decision-Making Spaces:

• • Represents the Chapter by building relationships with, and, where appropriate, lobbying legislators and officials. Works to emphasize weaknesses or merits of specific bills to influence passage, defeat, or amendment of measure or introduction of legislation that defends and advances environmental protection.
  • Builds and maintains relationships on behalf of the Sierra Club with local and state level decision makers.
  • Advocates for Sierra Club priority policies at the agency level.
  • Plans and coordinates meetings between Sierra Club members and elected officials to discuss legislative and administrative issues and proposals.

Co-Leads the Colorado Chapter Legislative Program:

• • Plans, coordinates and implements the Chapter's legislative strategies in coordination with the legislative committee, issue teams, and partners and as approved by the chapter leadership.
  • Monitors, studies, and researches proposed legislation to determine possible effects on the environment and makes appropriate recommendations, in coordination with other staff and team members.
  • Prepares volunteers and/or presents testimony at legislative hearings.
  • Works with community leaders and partners to rally support/opposition for bills, initiatives, laws, or resolutions; coordinates panels of witnesses for committee hearings.

Co-Leads the Colorado Chapter Political Program:

• • Plans, coordinates, supports, and implements the Chapter's political program in coordination with the political committee and as approved by the chapter leadership, including candidate recruitment, endorsements, and conducting election campaign activities.
  • Works with volunteers and staff to ensure compliance with Sierra Club policy and federal and state laws related to election activities including management and administration of the Chapter's state Political Action Committee (PAC) and Small Donor Committee (SDC).
  • Supports compliance with all state and federal lobbying and Political campaign laws and all reporting requirements.
  • Supports the political committee and leadership to develop a campaign plan and strategic timeline for electoral work.

Builds the People Power that fuels our Legislative and Political Programs:

• • Recruits, trains and motivates volunteers and other chapter staff to enable them to activate others in efforts to influence legislative and regulatory decisions and in the political process.
  • In partnership with other staff and volunteer leaders, supports GOTV field work and legislative events
  • Builds relationships and coordinates with community leaders, other organizations, and advocacy partners to align on strategy where appropriate

Coordinates communication, grassroots organizing, and fundraising as it relates to the Colorado Chapter Legislative and Political Programs:

• • Works with Sierra Club staff and volunteers to develop a consistent, clear legislative and Political message that is being communicated to the public.
  • Prepares press releases and communicates with the media to state the Sierra Club's view on specific legislation and Political matters including endorsements and campaign efforts.
  • Participates in the development of educational/ informational materials in regard to Sierra Club's legislative and Political efforts.
  • Assists in the formulation of grassroots campaign and coalition activities in support of legislation and Political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels; represents the Sierra Club in coalitions as appropriate.
  • Assists in fundraising for the Chapter's political and legislative programs.
  • Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club's commitment to equity, inclusion and justice through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and experience and competencies:

• 3 years' experience in the environmental field that includes working within the political process, managing organizational relationships, and public speaking
• Prior experience and effectiveness in lobbying and election campaigns
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Clear understanding and knowledge of the legislative and Political process
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and balance competing priorities simultaneously
• Experience using VAN/ Hustle and Salesforce CRMs
• Demonstrated experience training, mobilizing, and working with volunteers, especially related to community outreach strategies like canvassing, phone banking and engaging with elected officials

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:

• Experience in fundraising for political activities
• Skill in media relations
• Skill in making presentations to a diverse audience

Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $78,0000 - $85,000
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 3 exempt 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
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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