The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional non-profit conservation organization working solely to save the Bay. Established in 1967, CBF has a staff of approximately 185 employees working in offices in Annapolis Maryland; Richmond and VA Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., and in 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water polices, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, MD is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Councils LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened The Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, VA. The Brock Center is one of the most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings in the world.
CBF has an annual budget of approximately $21 million and is supported by more than 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF please visit www.cbf.org.
CONTEXT OF THE POSITION
The Grassroots Organizer will work to mobilize York County communities to take action on the issue of water quality and the broader Chesapeake Bay watershed cleanup effort. They will activate new volunteers, while helping build a core group of volunteer leaders who will participate in community organizing. Organizers will work as part of a growing team of organizers in Pennsylvania.
This position will be based in Harrisburg but is expected to travel to nearby South Central Pennsylvania counties regularly. Field Organizers play an essential role in building the public and political support needed to Save the Bay and its Pennsylvania rivers and streams.
Essential functions include:
- Identify Supporters: Through canvassing, petitioning, and other methods of outreach, organizers will identify community members who are motivated by issues of environmental protection and watershed health to recruit as volunteers.
- Recruit Volunteers: Grassroots Organizers will work to mobilize 5 to 10 new volunteers every week, spending up 15 hours on the phone each week doing outreach to supporters and recruiting them to come to community events and actions.
- Record Keeping: Organizers will keep records about the supporters they identify, the leaders they develop, the actions they plan and execute, and other information that could be useful for future organizing efforts
- Build Partnerships: Organizers will identify and engage environmental and non-environmental partner organizations with shared interests to build coalition support for local clean water campaigns.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Strong communication and motivational skills, work ethic, and passion for environmental and community welfare issues are essential. Candidates must be able to work within a team while also demonstrating self-direction and the ability to take initiative. Previous organizing experience is a plus. Other qualifications that will be strongly taken into consideration include experience with public speaking, campaign experience, and experience working in the field. Candidates who have worked with a Voter Activation Network (including cutting walk turf/lists), working with phone tool/pulling phone lists, and data entry will be favored.
This is a full time two-month position with the possibility for extension. Campaign hours can run 40 hours per week, including flexed time on evenings and weekends. The position is based in Harrisburg, PA with regular travel expected in South Central Pennsylvania.
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary history and requirements no later than November 15, 2015
Human Resources/FY16-11-PAG
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Cbf_employment@cbf.org
