The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Virginia Grassroots Coordinator to be based at its Virginia located in Richmond, VA.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

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 Council’s 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

Lead outreach and restoration initiatives in the Central Virginia region in support of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Recruit, train, and work with members, volunteers, and partner organizations to effectively advocate for local, state, and federal funding as well as legislative and regulatory issues. Develop and implement leadership development initiatives and curriculum, in partnership with Outreach Manager, to expand, cultivate, and train Virginia grassroots base in efforts to promote the Blueprint. Work closely with other grassroots and restoration staff in Virginia to optimize advocacy opportunities. Represent CBF in partnerships focused on restoration.

Essential functions include:

1. Implement CBF’s Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint strategic plan elements related to outreach and advocacy.
a. Cultivate new and diverse voices for the protection of water quality and full implementation of the Clean Water Blueprint. Intentionally work in underserved communities to broaden support for water quality protections.
b. Plan and execute Richmond-based decision-maker experiences to strengthen community and elected leader relationships.

2. Host the VoiCeS training program in Richmond or similar programs designed to more fully engage active volunteers in intensive learning, advocacy, and restoration experiences. Establish curriculum, recruit speakers, create promotional materials, and track long-term stewardship opportunities.

3. Recruit, manage and optimize advocacy opportunities and restoration activities for Central Virginia Clean Water Captains.
a. Host quarterly meetings to train, deepen engagement, and solicit feedback on CBF messaging and advocacy efforts.
b. Participate in planning of annual Captains workshop.
c. Co-host monthly Clean Water Captains calls.

4. Organize lobbying activities for volunteers, including General Assembly Preview, Water Day in General Assembly, and Bay Day on the Hill.

5. Use CBF website and utilize CBF’s action alert system to apprise CBF partners, members, and volunteers in central Virginia on advocacy needs and upcoming activities.

6. Assist in developing and messaging opportunities to involve grassroots in CBF policy and legislative campaigns, including local, state, and federal issues:
a. Write and disseminate letters to the editor.
b. Update website accordingly on issues.
c. Recruit citizens and partner organizations to participate in regulatory and legislative hearings.
d. Respond to public concerning Bay issues and CBF positions.
e. Update citizen involvement in LCRM.

7. Manage CBF’s Grasses for the Masses Program. Activities include, but are not limited to:
a. Design specific purposes, goals, and metrics for restoration projects.
b. Organize seed collection, enclosure maintenance, site selection, and permitting.
c. Partner with research universities to maintain best practices for grasses propagation and to evaluate and recommend alternative methods.
d. Recruit, train, and manage 6-8 regional coordinators who lead the grasses workshops and assist volunteers on planting days.
e. Establish planting schedule.
f. Develop web content and work with web development team to promote the program.
g. Track growers in LCRM and create year-over-year retention report.
h. Continually communicate with grass growers during the season.
i. Organize and order equipment for growing kits.
j. Establish monitoring methodology. Recruit and train volunteers on monitoring activities.
k. Complete end of season report to include number of growers, amount of grasses planted, advocacy activities initiated by growers, new audiences reached.
l. Represent CBF in press activities surrounding the Grasses program.
m. Complete safety training as required.

8. Organize the logistics of restoration workshops and events, as necessary, including tree plantings, clean ups, stream walks, and invasive species removals. Ensure safety procedures are followed at all restoration sites.

9. Work with local and regional groups and represent CBF on local committees focused on environmental protection and conservation to continue partnerships in local restoration efforts. Also maintain effective relationships with regional traditional and nontraditional partners, including, but not limited to, environmental organizations, civic associations, community associations, garden clubs, recreational clubs, faith-based organizations, military, local businesses, etc.

10. Work with other CBF staff to obtain funding for restoration activities and to report to funders on activities.

11. Develop volunteers to be fully and effectively engaged in our VoiCeS, Speakers Bureau, Fairs and Festivals, Action Network, Clean Water Captains, and other opportunities.
a. Recruit, train and manage volunteers for speaking engagements in Central Virginia.
b. Recruit volunteers to represent CBF at select fairs and festivals. Share advocacy priorities for tabling events.
c. Create compelling and relevant display materials for tabling.
d. Track volunteer activities and advocacy engagement in LCRM.

12. Engage those interested in volunteering with CBF in activities which utilize their skills and interests.

13. Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE: Bachelors degree required. At least two years experience preferred in environmental protection, including experience recruiting, training, motivating, and coordinating volunteers. Experience working with the print and broadcast media; experience building coalitions among the business, military, governmental, public service, and other communities. Ability to learn and implement CBF policies/procedures related to legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots and public communications. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience giving presentations to different audiences. Proficient in computer applications, including MS office software, Google applications, and Web content management. Salesforce experience a plus. Those who are fluent in Spanish are encouraged to apply.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Goals and objectives are set with the assistance of the Virginia Director of Outreach and Advocacy. Position functions independently to develop the means of achieving annual and shorter-term goals. Develop and implement regional plans for involving large numbers of people in CBF issues and activities. Excellent time-management skills are necessary to prioritize meetings, events and other activities.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Negotiate commitments of staff time and resources to participate in local events, speaking engagements, etc. Carry out activities mutually agreed upon with CBF volunteers and other volunteer groups for partnership projects. Actions taken are interpretive of established CBF policies, procedures and positions.

STRATEGIC IMPACT: Initiates innovative methods of engaging people and organizations in achieving CBF’s mission. High level of responsibility for influencing and inspiring people to take action on Bay issues.

HUMAN RESOURCES: Oversees and coordinates activities of any Richmond Office volunteers. Manages day to day duties of grassroots outreach interns.

To apply, please send application through job posting on CBF website no later than July 27, 2018:

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/jobs-internships/jobs/Virginia-Grassroots-Corodinator.html

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.