Download a pdf of this announcement here.
The Work Environment Council of New Jersey, Inc. (WEC) is a coalition of 70 labor, community, and environmental organizations advocating for safe, secure jobs and a healthy, sustainable environment. WEC seeks a full-time, experienced Campaign Organizer for the Jersey Renews effort based in our Trenton office. The position begins ASAP and no later than April 1 and is a 12-month full-time position with the option to renew if funding is secured.
The person hired will organize and expand Jersey Renews’ dynamic, statewide grassroots advocacy and organizing efforts. The campaign focuses on making New Jersey a leader on state-based climate policy, including emissions reductions, increased clean energy production the creation of family-sustaining jobs, and reduced air pollution. The campaign organizer will work to build and maintain a broad-based, multi-sector alliance which includes partners in the climate/environmental, labor, community-based, faith, and other sectors and coordinate events, including meetings for the steering committee, the larger coalition, opinion leaders, legislative stakeholders, the media and others.
Responsibilities
The Campaign Organizer will be responsible for:
Partner Recruitment and Outreach
Maintain and expand diverse coalition of key organizations in strategic sectors, through in-person and telephone contact, participatory campaign planning meetings, etc., with the goal of securing no less than ten new coalition partners
- Speak at meetings and workshops of unions, community, and environmental organizations.
- Identify and secure participation from grassroots activists.
- With coalition partners, plan up to two major events annually to raise awareness and demonstrate support for Jersey Renews, with attendance averaging 300 persons/event.
- Manage logistics, program development, publicity, partner and participant coordination for each event.
Communication
- With coalition members, develop and coordinate narratives, messaging, press conferences, and other media events.
- Develop/edit campaign materials including a monthly e-newsletter, blog post and op-ed.
- Develop and maintain a social media presence for the campaign.
- Draft media materials such as press release, statement and advisory.
- Maintain the Jersey Renews website.
- Ensure maximum publicity and media coverage for each event.
Campaign Administration
- Work with the Director, other staff and stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic campaign plan.
- Coordinate monthly steering committee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings.
- Organize other grassroots activities, such as petitioning and postcard signing.
- Some administrative tasks to support campaign activities including data entry.
- Identify and participate in promotional opportunities, such as conferences and exhibits to highlight the campaign to external audiences.
- Maintain project documentation, help write progress reports.
- Participate in fundraising efforts as necessary.
- Participate in campaign assessment, as well as WEC staff meetings.
State Leader Engagement
- Identify new legislators, utility and business leaders, other state leaders for engagement on Jersey Renews.
- In coordination with coalition partners, educate legislators and other public officials about Jersey Renews.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to organize, recruit volunteer activists, mobilize action, and lead campaign.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Competency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel and social media platforms including MailChimp, Facebook and Twitter.
- A valid driver’s license and car access are required.
- Ability to conduct outreach activities approximately two evenings a week (including occasional weekends).
- Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
We want a person with high-energy and enthusiasm; that works well under pressure; can handle multiple tasks at once and can adapt to changing situations; is committed to social justice; and is a hard worker who recognizes that changing NJ is not a 9 to 5 endeavor. Must be willing to travel statewide.
Experience
Minimum of two years of organizing, policy analyst, communications or education experience in grassroots and/or union organizing preferred. Experience engaging and managing volunteers highly desired. Formal organizing training, such as by Midwest Academy, Center for Third World Organizing, etc., preferred. Fundraising experience is also an asset.
The position is full-time, based in Trenton. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and includes generous benefits and vacation time.
To apply, email a) a cover letter; b) resume; c) two writing samples (and/or other supporting material), and d) three professional references (with contact information) to: [email protected]. Writing samples should reflect materials intended for a broad audience and relevant to this position. No phone calls please.
WEC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBT individuals are urged to apply.
Union members who can take leave time for union-related leave of absence are also encouraged to apply.
WEC is the nation’s longest standing and most effective labor/environmental coalition and is the state affiliate of both the BlueGreen Alliance, a national coalition of unions and environmental organizations and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
For more information about this campaign: www.jerseyrenews.org
For more information about WEC: www.njwec.org
