Jobs at CLCV: Political Director

Title: Political Director
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Employment Type: Full-time/Exempt
Salary: DOE, plus full benefits package
Position Location: Los Angeles or Oakland (Los Angeles preferred)

DESCRIPTION:

The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), a 501(c)(4) organization, is the political arm of California’s environmental community. CLCV is distinguished for its political influence: we support environmental candidates for state public office, track legislative activity and implement environmental policy reform programs. For more information please visit www.ecovote.org.

CLCV Education Fund, CLCV’s 501(c)(3) sister organization, protects California’s natural resources and improves the health of our communities. For more information please visit www.clcvedfund.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking experienced candidates for an exciting opportunity in a leadership position at one of the nation’s leading statewide grassroots environmental political action organizations. With the retirement of the long-time political director, CLCV is hiring a new political director to join our leadership team and lead our efforts to build long-term power for the California environmental community focused on addressing climate change, clean energy, environmental justice and protecting California’s exceptional natural resources.

This position calls for a political advocacy expert with a demonstrated ability to develop and grow voter-related campaigns for issues and candidates in the digital era. The candidate must be a dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and staff management skills. This person should be comfortable doing everything from analyzing voter registration strategy to running multiple direct and independent campaign efforts.

Must reside in or be able to relocate to California. Successful candidates will be based in or travel frequently to Los Angeles, and will work closely with the CEO and other executive team members based in Oakland. Additionally, the political director supervisesstaff based in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Oakland and other locations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and analyze the political landscape in concert with the CEO, political program staff, communications staff and allies to inform CLCV’s engagement on issues and in the electoral environment consistent with meeting CLCV’s strategic goals.
• Develop and execute savvy and effective annual state election and accountability plans to drive CLCV’s mission forward.
• Serve as the staff lead for CLCV’s candidate endorsement process including the development of the candidate questionnaire and managing interview process.
• Working with CEO, program staff, and CLCV Board program committee, support CLCV legislative agenda through grassroots and grasstops actions, accountability efforts and other program tools.
• Represent CLCV in various coalitions and partnerships related to CLCV priority programs and issues.
• Responsible for building, cultivating and supporting relationships with major donors and funders and raising resources for political expenditures. Work with development staff to package CLCV election and accountability activities to facilitate fundraising.
• Assist CEO and communications team to develop and oversee communications plans, including effective online and offline engagement of CLCV’s grassroots membership, traditional and online press strategies and social media; provide content for advocacy and electoral programs.

CLCV EDUCATION FUND:

• Manage CLCV Education Fund program work including programs designed to support constituency development and engagement on behalf of conservation and public health priorities, and effective collaboration between partner NGOs active in Sacramento.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five years of issue advocacy and/or electoral campaign experience, including experience with digital campaign tools and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills especially with message development, campaign plans, paid media, and voter contact.
• Prior management of candidate or independent campaigns a plus. 
• Must have proven fundraising experience, including developing and adhering to program budgets.
• Must have experience working in partnership with racially and ethnically diverse communities and share a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity.
• Demonstrated relationship with political opinion leaders, members of executive branch and legislature preferred.
• Superior interpersonal and communications skills; entrepreneurial focus; ability to lead and work collaboratively; demonstrated relationship building skills; solid judgment; critical thinking skills; a sense of teamwork and community; ability to handle multiple tasks; highly organized; exhibits grace under pressure and a keen sense of humor. Knowledge of environmental issues desirable. Knowledge of and/or experience with California politics preferred.

Management

• Experience developing and motivating a high performing staff in multiple locations. Cultivates a culture of high achievement and spirit of teamwork while setting clear goals and outcomes for all work.

Attendance and Travel

• Ability to attend evening events and occasional weekend events with short notice; must attend occasional weekend meetings.Frequent travel primarily within California, including regular (minimum monthly) travel to Sacramento.

To Apply: The position is open until filled. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements and tell us how you found this posting to CLCVJobs@ecovote.org. Please write “Political Director” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

The California League of Conservation Voters and CLCV Education Fund are committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.