The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a MD Eastern Shore Grassroots Field Specialist to be based at their Eastern Shore office located in Easton, MD. This is a 2-year term, Blueprint funded position.
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 Norfolk, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., and in 15 field education program locations. CBF’s headquarters office is in the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first LEED platinum building.
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: CBF is working on defending and implementing pollution reduction programs in the three major bay states; Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia. We are currently building our capacity to work with local communities. The Grassroots Field Specialist will be responsible for building CBF’s grassroots efforts on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, cultivating relationships with local groups and leaders, and building a strong, educated, and committed group of volunteers.
With assistance from the MD Office Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator (who has primarily a Western Shore focus), the Grassroots Field Specialist is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further CBF’s program goals. He or she will identify and develop volunteers as team leaders to help build grassroots networks. In addition, he or she will identify and build alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers. This position will focus on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
With the assistance of the MD Office Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator, the Grassroots Field Specialist will be responsible for the coordination and effective implementation of CBF’s organizing goals. He/she will help create organizational and issue visibility in the local community and participate in activities and services developed by CBF’s Maryland Office. He or she will track, evaluate and measure success of activities with the Eastern Shore Director to ensure progress towards CBF’s mission and goals and will help determine changes to strategies needed to reach goals.
Essential functions include:
Work with the Eastern Shore Director to develop strategies for organizing selected local communities and coordinating actions to ensure the effective implementation of CBF’s Blueprint Campaign. Develop and implement a variety of engagement strategies including on-line, face-to-face, and social networks to support CBF efforts.
Engage people and develop volunteer leadership in both social and environmental advocacy activities that will create strong environmental communities and build power at the local level, including identifying and developing volunteers who will work as part of a team and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots power and networks. Help those leaders succeed by training and coaching them on how to strategize, organize, inspire, and motivate.
Identify opportunities for speaking engagements, tabling events and displays to expand citizen knowledge of and engagement in the campaign goals. Help plan and coordinate events such as town hall meetings.
Maintain and develop new partnerships with affinity groups who share common goals and values. Work with regional coalitions to develop mutually beneficial actions that further community organizing goals.
Work with the Maryland Office Communications Coordinator to develop media campaigns for local communities.
Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.
The successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, political science, communications or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of experience that may include a variety of grassroots organizing, volunteer leadership and training, coalition building, and demonstrated insights and skills. The ideal candidate possesses strong commitment to environmental protection, and local knowledge of community concerns, local leaders, and partnering organizations. Experience with political campaigns and/or legislative or administrative lobbying is not mandatory but will be viewed as a plus. Successful candidates have demonstrated abilities using strong interpersonal skills to motivate the public, volunteers, members, and partnering organizations to take action for the environment. Successful candidates must have strong demonstrated written and oral communication skills, demonstrated public speaking ability, strong time management skills and close attention to detail. The ability to work independently and creatively, experience with social media, strong writing skills and knowledge of MS Publisher software. Possess the ability to track results using MS Excel & Access. Knowledge of GIS software helpful, but not required.
A valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record and proof of auto insurance are required. Travel required. The ability to work from home may be required.
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary history and requirements no later than May 5, 2014 to:
Human Resources/FY14-34-ESGRFS
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
[email protected]
CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred annuity plan. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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