Campaign Organizer, Diesel Clean-Up Campaign

Founded in 1996, the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring clean air and healthy environments through scientific research, public education, and legal advocacy. Our unique and singular focus on atmospheric issues has allowed us to go deep on the issues, and be persistent and effective.

The Campaign Diesel pollution is a serious health threat that accounts for an estimated 21,000 premature deaths in the US each year. Black carbon emitted from diesels (and other sources) is one of the largest contributing factors to global warming - about 2000 times more potent than CO2. Devices that are required on new on-road diesels now, and will be required on off-road equipment in the next few years can also be applied to many of the existing diesels.

The Diesel Clean-up Campaign is focused on cleaning up the existing diesel fleet that otherwise may continue to pollute for decades to come. Our goal is to reduce diesel emissions 40 percent by the year 2012, 55 percent by 2015, and 70 percent by 2020. Achieving these goals would save tens of thousands of lives. Reducing diesel pollution is a Win for health, a Win for the climate and a Win for jobs.

To achieve the goal, the campaign employs a strategically integrated approach, working with partners on the local, state and national levels. See explanatory TV clips of the campaign here.

Position Overview:

The Clean Air Task Force is hiring a dynamic full time Campaign Organizer for a 1 year contract with the possibility of renewal. Excellent benefits. Proximity to McLean, VA is a plus.

The Campaign Organizer will work with the Campaign Director on diesel campaign research, planning and implementation. The Campaign Organizer will serve as a strategic liaison to state partners across the country, supporting and advising highimpact diesel policy change on the local, state and national levels.

Responsibilities: 

The Campaign Organizer will:

• Work with the organizing team to assess technical retrofit options and develop policy recommendations based on conclusions.
• Work with state campaign partners to develop and execute strategic plans for statelevel advocacy campaigns, and to support federal diesel clean-up initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day support to local and state campaigns including research & data collection, coalition building & maintenance, grassroots cultivation, media advocacy, and decision-maker advocacy.
• Assist partners with event preparations for legislative hearings, in-district meetings, community meetings, editorial board visits, etc.
• Assist in planning and executing nationally-coordinated events such as multi-state press conferences, EPA and Congressional briefings, and annual meeting.
• Develop creative outreach material and tactics, ranging from written materials to internet outreach to videos to contests to soot patrols and more.
• Support coalition relationships, develop activist leadership and cultivate new coalition leads among diverse groups.
• Support online advocacy efforts and communications to online advocates for both state and federal campaigns, including writing/editing action alerts and sample letters.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date files, records, and systems. Maintain physical inventory of the educational materials; maintain database, assist with grant reports and other administrative support, as necessary.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience in campaign-based work, either community organizing, political advocacy, or public interest lobbying
• Ability to quickly, easily and thoroughly grasp the nuances of retrofit technology and clean air law and apply to policy
• Ability to apply an organizing paradigm, such as Midwest Academy, Power Prism or another model
• Experience developing and implementing community outreach and engagement campaigns with clear expectations and a feasible work plan for deliverables
• Demonstrated ability to manage organizing programs, and to coach partner organizations through policy campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to build good working relationships across organizations, and work well with a diverse group of people
• Ability to collaborate in a team, and work independently to execute a work plan, communicating with project team via timely internet project tracking
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to work effectively via phone, email, internet and travel for in-person meetings to support the multi-state nature of the campaign.
• Familiarity with decision-making processes on local, state and federal levels
• Proficient computer and internet skills
• Proven ability to multi-task, to prioritize work and to respond calmly and nimbly to changing campaign needs

Compensation: Annual salary range from low 30s to low 40s.

Interviews will begin January 4, 2010 -- accepting candidates until position filled.

To Apply:

Please send letter of interest, resume and a list of 3 references via mail or email.

Brooke Suter
Clean Air Task Force
860 Sconset Lane
McLean, VA 22012