The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Hampton Roads Grassroots Coordinator in the EPR-VA department to be based at the Brock Center.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Established in 1967, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act’s impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.

CBF has a staff of approximately 210 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.

CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

CBF has an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

CBF’s Environmental Protection and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting the Bay’s natural resources from pollution and other harmful activities by fighting for strong and effective laws and regu­lations; restoring the Bay’s essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in CBF’s environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

Working under the supervision of the Hampton Roads Director and the Virginia Outreach and Advocacy Director, help coordinate outreach initiatives in the Hampton Roads region and develop opportunities for citizen activism on local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory issues. Implement CBF policies and activities to recruit, train, and work with members, volunteers, and partner organizations in coordinating CBF’s Hampton Roads public programs and efforts.

Essential functions include:

  • Working with the Hampton Roads Director and the Virginia Outreach and Advocacy Director, help implement elements of CBF’s five-year strategic plan related to outreach and advocacy, particularly with the defense and implementation of the Clean Water Blueprint in targeted Hampton Roads districts, demographics, organizations, etc. Working with other Virginia team members, coordinate Hampton Roads advocacy efforts in support of the Virginia team for the Virginia General Assembly session. Help coordinate the logistics of CBF’s Hampton Roads Decision Maker Experiences, on-water excursions for elected officials, their staff, and others instrumental in policies and funding for conservation.
  • Under the supervision of the Hampton Roads Director, help manage the Clean the Bay Day (CTBD) event, ensuring that it maximizes CBF’s mission and vision.
  • Gain exposure to the Clean Water Captains, VoiCeS adult education program, and other similar programs in Hampton Roads designed to more fully engage active volunteers in intensive education and advocacy experiences. Over time, provide insight on best ways to manage and expand these volunteer programs in Hampton Roads.
  • Work to ensure that systems, organizational culture, and practices are aligned with CBF’s mission, values and commitments related to DEIJ.
  • Develop and refine programs and activities to ensure equitable practices and support the development of a diverse and effective team.
  • Ensure an inclusive working environments that supports diverse populations.
  • Other duties assigned

 

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required. At least one to three years’ experience preferred including some experience coordinating volunteers. An ideal candidate will have experience building coalitions among partner groups. Ability to learn and implement CBF policies/procedures related to legislative and regulatory advocacy, as well as grassroots and public communications. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience giving presentations to different audiences. Proficient in computer applications, including MS Office. Experience in LCRM database is a plus. This position will work remotely for the immediate future while CBF has Covid work-at-home policies in place.

Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships.  Ability to recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. Having flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.

Salary Range: $40, 000 to $45,000

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website no later than 6/15/2021.

CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.

To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:

  • Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
  • Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
  • Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
  • Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.

CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.