Transportation Justice Policy Advocate

~ Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) is a San Diego/Tijuana non-profit social and environmental justice organization dedicated to the prevention and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening our health, our community and the environment. ~

Position Overview

The Transportation Justice Policy Advocate (PA) works within EHC’s Climate Justice Campaign to advance policies and projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources with a focus on low income communities of color that are most impacted by these sources.

The PA works with community leaders and other non-profits to identify key issues, community-driven solutions, and conduct policy advocacy to influence local and regional governments to reduce impacts in low- income communities of color in the San Diego region.

The PA will advocate to and work with local, and regional entities including Metropolitan Transportation System, SANDAG, San Diego Unified Port District, Cities of San Diego and National City, and other regulatory bodies related to transportation justice, goods movement, air pollution, climate change, and public health. The PA is responsible for representing the interests of EHC members before decision-making authorities and ally groups in order to change or enforce public policies.

Working with Community Organizers and Leaders, the PA will coordinate EHC’s work in City Heights and work with residents to create a City Heights community where residents live with health-promoting land use, transportation and community development policies that improve their health and well-being.

Primary Responsibilities

• Organize and advocate for the development and implementation of land use, transportation, and community development policies that advance public and environmental health, equitable development, land use compatibility, affordable housing, climate and transportation justice, jobs and health;
• Conduct issue research and policy advocacy activities regarding transportation, climate change, air pollution, and related environmental justice issues affecting low-income communities of color;
• Understand local government systems and laws, and effectively monitor and advocate withthose entities;
• Develop written analyses, position papers, and correspondence;
• Conduct effective networking and ally development activities with individuals, groups, organizations, and governmental entities in the San Diego region;
• Work with community organizing efforts to ensure coordination;
  In collaboration with the EHC City Heights Community Organizer develop an empowered and effective City Heights Community Action Team composed of EHC community leaders;
• Work with EHC team members to develop strategic plans for key projects and activities; and
• Participate in and coordinate, as appropriate, local transportation justice networks to secure policy outcomes to reduce air pollution and advance public transit.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• 3 years’ experience in grassroots organizing and/or policy work
• 2 years’ experience in transportation, climate, air pollution policy and regulation or other related fields
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of environmental justice
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical ability
• Reliable transportation method
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail
• Proficient with computer programs including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Power Point
• Must demonstrate the ability to be culturally competent in all respects

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• 5 to 10 years’ experience in grassroots organizing and/or policy work
• 5 years’ experience in transportation, climate and air pollution policy and regulation or other related fields
• Legal/planning/public health background and/or campaign and staff management experience is highly desirable
• Familiarity with local transportation agencies and municipal governments highly desirable
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is highly desirable

Compensation

• Salary Range: $54,000 – 65,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits Include: Health, dental, 401k, LTC, generous vacation and wellness leave, professional development, and other benefits.

To Apply     

• Please email cover letter, resume, 3 references, and salary requirements to frontdesk@environmentalhealth.org.
•  Subject line should read: TJ Policy Advocate followed by your name.
• Target Start Date: Position to remain open until filled.

EHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage people of color and women to apply.