VA Tidewater Grassroots Field Specialist

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a VA Grassroots Field Specialist for a field-based position in the Lower and Middle Peninsulas and the Northern Neck. This is a two-year term position.

Position Overview:

CBF is working on defending and implementing pollution reduction programs in the three major bay states; Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia. We are currently building our capacity to work with local communities. The Virginia Tidewater Grassroots Field Specialist will be responsible for building CBF's grassroots efforts in the Lower and Middle Peninsulas and the Northern Neck. The Grassroots Field Specialist is responsible for cultivating relationships with local conservation groups and community leaders to build a strong, educated, and committed group of volunteers.

With assistance from the Virginia Outreach & Advocacy Manager, the Virginia Tidewater Grassroots Field Specialist is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and motivating large numbers of new people to take repeated action which will further CBF's program goals. He or she will identify and develop volunteers as team leaders to help build grassroots networks. In addition, he or she will identify and build alliances with other organizations which can influence decision-makers.

With the assistance of the Virginia Outreach & Advocacy Manager, the Virginia Tidewater Grassroots Field Specialist will be responsible for the coordination and effective implementation of CBF's organizing goals. He or she will help create organizational and issue visibility in the local community and participate in activities and services developed by the Virginia Office. He or she will track, evaluate and measure success of activities with the Virginia Outreach & Advocacy Manager to ensure progress towards CBF's mission and goals and will help determine changes to strategies needed to reach goals.

Responsibilties:

Essential functions include:

• Work with Virginia Outreach & Advocacy Manager to develop strategies for organizing selected local communities and coordinating actions to ensure the effective implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint. Develop and implement a variety of engagement strategies including on-line, face-to-face, and social networks to support CBF efforts;
• Host VoiCeS and other educational workshops, such as Speaker's Bureau and Clean Water Captains, to train, recruit and engage community leaders to work with the elected officials at the federal, state and local levels to implement sediment and nutrient reduction efforts;
• Engage current members and encourage them to "bring a friend" to expand CBF's advocacy capacity, creating strong environmental communities and building influence at the local level, including identifying and developing volunteers who will work as part of a team and take on the role of team leaders to build our grassroots influence and networks. Help those leaders succeed by training and coaching them on how to strategize, organize, inspire, and motivate;
• Identify opportunities for speaking engagements, tabling events and displays to expand citizen knowledge of and engagement in the campaign goals. Help plan and coordinate events such as town hall meetings during Congressional recesses;
• Maintain and develop new partnerships with affinity groups who share common goals and values. Work with regional coalitions to develop mutually beneficial actions that further organizing plan goals;
• Work with Communications to develop media campaigns for local communities; 
• Assist other CBF staff in successful implementation of volunteer programs, including, oyster gardening, Clean the Bay Day, and grasses for the masses; and
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Professional Expereince & Qualifications:

Skills required for a successful applicant include the following: 

• Strong outreach and public speaking skills;
• Strong time management and close attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and creatively;
• Experience with social media (Facebook, twitter, etc.);
• Strong writing skills, knowledge of MS Publisher software;
• Ability to track results using MS Excel and MS Access;
• Knowledge of GIS software helpful; 
• Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay ecology, water quality, and pollution concerns;
• Successful candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, political science, communications or a closely related field;
• A minimum of three years of experience that may include a variety of communications and public messaging, grassroots organizing, volunteer leadership and training, coalition building, and demonstrated insights and skills;
• Ideal candidate possesses strong commitment to environmental protection, and local knowledge of community concerns, local leaders, and partnering organizations;
• Experience with political campaigns and/or legislative or administrative lobbying is not mandatory but will be viewed as a plus;
• Successful candidates have demonstrated abilities using strong interpersonal skills to motivate the public, volunteers, members, partnering organizations to take action for the environment;
• Successful candidates must have strong demonstrated written and oral communication skills and demonstrated public speaking ability; and
• A valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record and proof of auto insurance are required. Travel required. The ability to work from home is required.

Compensation: 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. 

 To Apply:

Please utilze the email address below to submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history and requirements no later than August 8, 2013 to:

Human Resources FY14-03-VAGRFS-T
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
6 Herndon Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403

~ The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ~