Policy and Legislative Director

Job Title: Energy Policy and Legislative Director

Department: New Jersey Chapter

Location: Hybrid in Trenton, NJ (minimum one day per week in office)

Reports To: Chapter Director 

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: Working in concert with all stakeholders in New Jersey and with representatives of the relevant national entities, ensures the New Jersey 100% Clean Energy strategy is planned and executed successfully in alignment with other organizational strategic priorities. Manages the coordination, prioritization, and integration of all energy work in New Jersey. Works with Chapter and Program staff and volunteers to support the successful development and implementation of state based plans and related fundraising. This role is designed to provide additional strategic capacity and leverage for the campaigns, capacities and the Chapter in moving forward collaboration and coordination in the state regarding all clean energy, resource adequacy, and building and transportation electrification work, including planning, implementation and evaluation.

• Legislative Strategy. Works with Chapter Director to develop strategic, programmatic, equity, movement building, and financial goals and objectives. Implements strategic campaigns to move New Jersey to 100% clean energy, working in collaboration with the New Jersey Chapter and Program staff, as well as volunteer leadership, partner organizations, and the public.
• Legislative Lobbying. Lobbies and advocates before state and local NJ government to advance Sierra Club’s energy policies, and develops and maintains relationships with policymakers in New Jersey.
• Building Coalitions. Represents Sierra Club at state coalitions working group meetings on design of new clean energy policies, along with other staff.
• Internal Planning and Coordination. Coordinates integrated planning and implementation between Sierra Club entities, including the New Jersey Chapter and the Beyond Coal, Beyond Dirty Fuels, Building Electrification, and Clean Transportation For All. Ensures internal communication between Sierra Club entities working on energy-related efforts in New Jersey.
• Optimizing Structure and Process. Works with Chapter and Program staff to identify and implement structural and procedural changes needed to achieve clean energy in New Jersey.
• Fundraising. Collaborates with Chapter and Program staff to fundraise in support of clean energy-related initiatives in New Jersey.
• External Promotion. Provides professional expertise to and supports staff, volunteers, partners, and businesses in priority implementation areas to promote clean energy policy development.
• Movement Capacity Building. Supports Sierra Club staff and volunteers engaging in and cultivating a justice-centered environmental movement that advances the organization’s respective clean energy campaign priorities, builds volunteer capacity & power, and strengthens communities.

• Experience. At least 5 years’ experience working at a state, regional, or national level with the following skills
• Issue Knowledge. Strong knowledge of energy issues, including power sector regulation, renewable energy and energy efficiency policy, and clean and equitable transportation policy. 
• Legislative Knowledge. Strong knowledge of New Jersey’s energy legislative and policy landscapes with demonstrated track record of sustained elected official relationships.

• Adaptability. Demonstrated ability to be adaptable in the following ways:
• Proactive and able to step in where there is opportunity (vs. being dependent on concrete guidelines) 
• Flexible and able to strategically assess situations, shifting as needed with ease
• Responsive and able to nimbly coordinate across campaigns as part of collective success

• Social Justice. Experience with operationalizing equity and inclusion. Understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender, class - both internally facing and in the community with current, new and potential allies, partners and Sierra Club members.
• Skillful team player and collaborator. The ideal candidate is a collaborative decision-maker and facilitator that can participate on state, local, or regional teams, setting goals and strategies across campaigns and capacities. This means a clear understanding of what is needed to be accomplished within a campaign or organizing work-plans, supporting the goals of other stakeholders, and staying flexible even when uncomfortable.
• Project Leadership. Strong project management, organizational skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a multitude of stakeholders. Proven track record of building relationships and managing towards outcomes in a complex system.
• Committed to Evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
• Uplifting and Additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

• Fundraising. Prior responsibility for fundraising, donor reporting, budgeting, and business operations management.
• Presenting and Facilitating. Strong facilitation skills and confidence in preparing and delivering talks/presentations.
• Innovative. A willingness to try new things, innovate, even fail at times. A commitment to learning and growth. Ability to inspire innovation across teams.

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.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.