Environmental Justice Organizer, New Virginia Majority – Virginia

Organization: New Virginia Majority

Position Title: Environmental Justice Organizer

Location: Portsmouth, Virginia

Dates and compensation: This position is full-time and is eligible for NVM’s full package of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as monthly phone and transportation allowances.

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: New Virginia Majority (NVM) is Virginia’s leading civic engagement organization that mobilizes and organizes voters of color and residents across the state. Our year-round approach to organizing involves mass scale voter outreach, linked to ongoing community organizing campaigns and intensive leadership development.

Acknowledging the importance of climate change to racial and economic justice, environmental sustainability, and movement building, NVM is dedicated to integrating low-income communities and communities of color in policy debate and action to address climate change and environmental impact. NVM seeks to engage our communities around: promoting renewable energy sources and mass transit, limiting fossil fuel drilling, land conservation, and addressing the needs of coastal communities prone to flooding.

NVM is currently expanding its team. We are a seeking conscious and skilled individual with a deep commitment to social change. The Environmental Justice Organizer reports to Organizing Director. S/he will work specifically with communities in Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampton Roads area.

Responsibilities include:

• Identify and build a network of leaders in Portsmouth to address climate change
• With the support of Policy Associate, work with Organizing Director to develop a campaign to engage community around the effects of sea level rise, specifically support for the VA Coastal Protection Act
• Participate in state and local climate related initiatives to ensure people of color and low income communities have input in public participation forums
• Maintain contacts in the organizational database and utilize systems to track and evaluate progress toward our base building and campaign goals
• Collaborate with broader environmental community on collective actions

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in organizing, issue campaigns or advocacy
• Experience working on environmental justice issues or engaging communities of color
• Outstanding communications skills and ability to connect with people
• Successful experience working in coalitions
• Must be flexible, creative and assume high accountability for all areas of responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple deadlines; able to develop and move projects forward with independence and autonomy
• Experience working with a contact database/CRM
• Background and commitment to social justice work and demonstration of strong personal commitment to NVM’s mission and values.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evening and weekend work.
• Regional and sometimes statewide travel will be required.
• Car / Driver’s license

How to Apply: To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, salary history and 3 references to jgranado[at]newvirginiamajority.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered. New Virginia Majority is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, and LGBTQ encouraged to apply.