Youth Organizer, Wisconsin

~ The Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) exists to confront climate change as the most urgent crisis of our time, threatening the health of communities and ecosystems across the globe. ACE’s mission is to educate young people on the science of climate change and empower them to take action. ~

Since our funding in 2008, ACE has reached over 2.4 million youth and tracked over 730,000 actions. The Youth Organizer in Wisconsin will work to advance the programmatic and strategic growth of the organization in Wisconsin. The scope of responsibilities range from youth organizing and training, strategic campaigns and initiatives, partnership development, and communications.

Position Overview

In this position, the Youth Organizer will work to strengthen and deepen ACE’s role and positioning in the Wisconsin climate movement space through coalition-building and partnership development with organizations that share our values and interests in the expansion of renewable energy, the fight for climate justice, and getting out the vote for climate action. The Youth Organizer will support the development of a climate focused Relational Voter Program (RVP) and will lead the implementation of the RVP through running an Action Fellowship program for high school youth in Milwaukee. 

ACE is working with a State Voices affiliate coalition called Wisconsin Voices. This is a diverse coalition of partners working to increase voter turnout for progressive, multi-issue leadership. As part of this coalition, ACE will work to increase voter turnout of the New American Majority (youth, people of color, unmarried women) in Wisconsin. For our part, we will focus on registering and turning out youth voters through digital engagement strategies, and the in-person RVP that the Youth Organizer will be facilitating. This is an exciting moment to join the ACE team as we work to test new Relational Voter Turnout strategies and build youth power to move forward just equitable climate policy and elect strong climate leadership in 2018 and 2020 elections.

Responsibilities

• The Youth Organizer will work from home, meet weekly by video chat with the Organizing Team, occasionally/regularly meet in person with ACE’s Deputy Director, in Milwaukee and have weekly national meetings with colleagues online
• As part of the Youth Organizer’s management of the WI Action Fellowship program, they will meet regularly with the group of Fellows
• The Youth Organizer needs to be available for occasional travel to participate in conferences, actions, and events, and to attend staff retreats

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience 3-5 years experience in field organizing, advocacy work, youth engagement or youth development, project management, preferably with a climate focus Experience using VAN and/or GOTV/electoral work
• Demonstrated competence in supervising a team and managing projects
• Ability to train and coach youth or organizers
• Strong analytical skills with ability to set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines Self-starter with strong organizational skills and creativity
• Existing expertise or willingness to master trends in science education, youth development, youth organizing and the climate movement.
• Awareness of the issues impacting this generation, including climate change and environmental justice, and a passion for inspiring youth to take action
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate and manage partnerships, internal and external relationships
• Terrific oral and written communication skills in English
• Excellent computer skills (Google Apps, Microsoft Suite, Salesforce, Social Media) Basic familiarity with, or ability to master, using a Salesforce and or EveryAction database to organize contacts and manage emails.
• Comfortable working as a part of a small team as a remote manager
• Must have a valid driver’s license, consistent access to a car (or live in an area with abundant car share options), and be willing to travel within about a two hour radius around regional hub

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of climate science and passion for climate justice
• Teaching experience or other experience working with high school age students
• Experience organizing youth for social justice
• Experience working with school systems or secondary school teachers
• Familiarity with local organizations working on climate change, civic engagement or related issues
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time position
• Temporary: 1 year from hire date
• Anticipated start date: Immediately
• Deadline: Open until filled

Compensation: $45,000-$61,000. Includes generous benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation and Sick Time).

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and cover letter, including salary requirements with “Youth Organizer, WI” in the subject line. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEOC guidelines.

~ ACE is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic, gender and ability backgrounds to apply. ~