Policy and Legislative Director

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Job activities include but are not limited to :

• 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.

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

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

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $95,000 annually.

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, represented 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.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.